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What is the difference between RNA and DNA? What is the function of RNA?

Define the types of RNA and what their function is during protein synthesis.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) -
Transfer RNA (tRNA) -
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) -

1 answer

Differences Between RNA and DNA

  1. Structure:

    • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): DNA is double-stranded and forms a double helix structure. Its sugar component is deoxyribose. The base pairing includes Adenine (A) with Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) with Guanine (G).
    • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): RNA is typically single-stranded and has a more variable structure. Its sugar component is ribose. In RNA, Adenine pairs with Uracil (U) instead of Thymine.

  2. Function:

    • DNA: Primarily serves as the long-term storage of genetic information; it contains the instructions needed for an organism's development, functioning, growth, and reproduction.
    • RNA: Functions mainly in the process of translating the genetic code from DNA into proteins. RNA plays roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

  3. Types of Nucleotides:

    • DNA contains deoxyribonucleotides, while RNA contains ribonucleotides.

Functions of RNA

RNA is essential for translating the genetic information contained in DNA into proteins, which perform critical functions in the body. The main types of RNA involved in this process include:

1. Messenger RNA (mRNA)

  • Function: mRNA serves as the template for protein synthesis. It carries the genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are made. During transcription, a section of DNA is copied into mRNA.

2. Transfer RNA (tRNA)

  • Function: tRNA is responsible for bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA strand. This allows tRNA to ensure that the correct amino acid is added based on the sequence coded by the mRNA.

3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

  • Function: rRNA is a fundamental component of ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis. rRNA ensures the proper alignment of mRNA and tRNA and catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, facilitating the assembly of proteins.

Summary

In summary, RNA differs from DNA in structure, function, and types of nucleotides. RNA is vital for protein synthesis, with mRNA providing the template, tRNA delivering amino acids, and rRNA forming the structural and functional core of ribosomes.