RNA Structure and Function Flashcards
What does RNA stand for?
Ribonucleic acid
What is RNA made up of?
Phosphate group
Ribose
Nitrogenous bases
What are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?
Uracil
Guanine
Cytosine
Adenine
Function of RNA?
To copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes.
What are the 3 types of RNA?
mRNA
tRNA
rRNA
What is mRNA?
Messenger RNA is a copy of one gene from DNA.
What does mRNA do?
It is created in the nucleus and then leaves the nucleus to carry the copy of the genetic code of one gene to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.
Why can’t DNA as a whole leave the nucleus?
It is too big and would be at risk of being damaged by enzymes therefore destroying the genetic code permanently.
Why is mRNA much shorter?
It is only the length of one gene.
Why is mRNA short lived?
It is only needed temporarily to help create a protein.
Is mRNA double or single stranded?
Single
What shape is mRNA?
Straight line.
What are codons?
Every 3 bases in the sequence codes for a specific amino acid, these three bases are called codons.
What is tRNA?
Transfer RNA.
Where is tRNA found?
Cytoplasm
Is tRNA double or single stranded?
Single
What shape is tRNA?
Cloverleaf shape.
What holds together the cloverleaf shape?
Hydrogen bonds
What is the function of tRNA?
To attach to one of the 20 amino acids and transfer the amino acid to the ribosome to create the polypeptide chain.
What are anticodons?
Specific amino acids attach to specific tRNA molecules and this is determined by the 3 bases found on tRNA which are complementary to the 3 bases on mRNA.
Why are they called anticodons?
They are complementary to the codons in mRNA.
What does rRNA stand for?
Ribosomal RNA
What is the function of RNA?
Combines with proteins to make ribosomes.
What are the differences between the DNA and RNA monomers?
DNA contains the base thymine whereas RNA contains the base uracil.
DNA contains the pentose sugar deoxyribose and RNA contains ribose.
