8.3 Structures of ribonucleic acid Flashcards
Define genome
complete set of genes in a cell
Define proteome
the full range of proteins produced by the genome
What makes up a nucleotide?
- pentose sugar ribose
- nitrogen base (organic) (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine and uracil)
- phosphate group
What 2 types of RNA are important in protein synthesis?
messenger RNA
transfer RNA
What nitrogenous bases are in RNA?
A, U, C, G
Describe RNA polymer in comparisons to DNA polymer
RNA polymer is a relatively short polynucleotide chain and it is single stranded
What is the general function of RNA?
to copy and transfer he genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes.
Why is mRNA much shorter?
because it is only the length of one gene and can therefore lead the nucleus
Where is mRNA created?
in the nucleus
Why is mRNA sort lived?
it is only needed to temporarily help create a protein, therefore by the time any enzyme could break it down, it would have already carried out its function
Where is tRNA found and what is its structure like?
found in the cytoplasm
It is single stranded, but folded to create a shape that looks like a cloverleaf. This cloverleaf is held in place by hydrogen bonds
What is the function of tRNA?
to attach 1 of 20 amino acids and transfer this amino acid to the ribosome to create the polypeptide chain. Specific amino acids attach to specific tRNA molecules and this is determined by 3 bases found on the tRNA which are complementary to the 3 bases on mRNA (ANTI-CODONS)
Describe the difference between the DNA and RNA monomers
- DNA contains the base thymine, whereas RNA contains uracil instead
- DNA contains the pentose sugar deoxyribose whereas RNA contains ribose
Describe the difference between the RNA and DNA polymers
- DNA is much larger as it contains approximately 23,000 genes whereas RNA is shorter as it is only the length of 1 gene
- DNA is double stranded whereas RNA is single stranded
