8.6 - Structure of mRNA and tRNA

Question 1

Features of tRNA (4):

Answer 1

• single stranded molecule in a clover-leaf shape
• uses hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs
• contains a specific sequence of three bases at one end -anticodon
• contains an amino acid binding site at the opposite end

Question 2

What is tRNA, what is the purpose of tRNA?

Answer 2

• used in translation
• transports amino acids to ribosomes to build up a polypeptide chain

Question 3

Features of mRNA (4):

Answer 3

• single stranded, linear molecule
• contains a base sequence complementary to a DNA sequence
• contains codons
• small enough to leave the nucleus

Question 4

What is mRNA and what does it do?

Answer 4

a type of RNA synthesised during transcription - carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes