RNA is a universal translator. It reads DNA and directs protein production

Question

i. Briefly explain the job of RNA in producing proteins.
ii. There are three major differences between DNA and RNA. List the
ways RNA is unique:
26 Phelan, What is Life, 5e, 2021,© W. H. Freeman and Company2-3

Answer 1

i. Job of RNA in Producing Proteins: RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation. During transcription, an mRNA (messenger RNA) molecule is synthesized from a DNA template. This mRNA serves as a copy of the genetic information encoded in DNA. Once the mRNA is formed, it exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where translation occurs. In this stage, ribosomes read the sequence of codons (three-nucleotide sequences) on the mRNA and use this information to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately forming a functional protein. Other types of RNA, such as tRNA (transfer RNA) and rRNA (ribosomal RNA), also play essential roles in the translation process, helping to ensure that the correct amino acids are added in the proper sequence.

ii. Three Major Differences Between DNA and RNA:

1. Structure:

   • DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, whereas RNA is single-stranded.

2. Sugar Component:

   • DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar. The difference in one oxygen atom contributes to the instability of RNA compared to DNA.

3. Nitrogenous Bases:

   • DNA uses the bases adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), whereas RNA replaces thymine with uracil (U), using adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).