RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Structure & Functions

• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a single-stranded nucleic acid made up of ribonucleotides, which consist of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine (G).

Structure:

1. Single-Stranded of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

• RNA is typically single-stranded, but it can form secondary structures by folding upon itself.
• Backbone: Each strand consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone, with the sugar being ribose.
• Bases: RNA contains adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), with A pairing with U in complementary base pairing.
• Secondary Structures: RNA can form hairpins, loops, and other complex structures through intramolecular base pairing.

2. Types of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

• mRNA (Messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
• tRNA (Transfer RNA): Transfers specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
• rRNA (Ribosomal RNA): Structural and functional component of ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.
• Other RNAs: Includes small nuclear RNA (snRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and others involved in regulation and processing.

Functions of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

1. Messenger RNA (mRNA):

   • Transcription: mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template during transcription.
   • Translation: mRNA is translated into a protein sequence by ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

2. Transfer RNA (tRNA):

   • Amino Acid Transport: tRNA molecules transport amino acids to the ribosome.
   • Codon-Anticodon Interaction: Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA):

   • Ribosome Structure: rRNA molecules combine with proteins to form ribosomes.
   • Catalysis: rRNA catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during protein synthesis.

4. Regulatory RNAs:

   • miRNA and siRNA: These small RNAs regulate gene expression by degrading mRNA or inhibiting translation.
   • snRNA: Involved in splicing pre-mRNA to remove introns and join exons.

Difference between DNA and RNA

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