Chapter 3.11 - mRNA and tRNA

Question 1

What are the types of RNA?

Answer 1

mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA

Question 2

What is mRNA?

Answer 2

A short strand of RNA produced by transcription from the DNA template strand. It has a base sequence complementary to the DNA which it is transcribed, except it has uracil in place of thymine

Question 3

What are the features of mRNA?

Answer 3

1. Single stranded, linear molecule
2. Contains a base sequence complementary to a DNA sequence
3. Contains codons
4. Are small enough to leave the nucleus

Question 4

What is tRNA?

Answer 4

A form of RNA that carries an amino acid specific to its anticodon to the correct position along mRNA during translation

Question 5

What is rRNA?

Answer 5

A form of RNA that makes up the ribosome

Question 6

What are the features of tRNA?

Answer 6

1. Single-stranded molecule folded into a clover-leaf shape
2. Uses hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs to hold it in shape
3. Contains a specific sequence of three bases on one end, known as the anticodon
4. Contains an amino binding site at the opposite end

Question 7

What are the six differences between mRNA and tRNA?

Answer 7

1. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes whereas tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosomes to build proteins
2. mRNA is linear but tRNA is clover-leaf shaped
3. mRNA is longer than tRNA
4. mRNA doesn’t contain hydrogen bonds but tRNA does
5. mRNA doesn’t contain an amino acid binding site but tRNA does
6. mRNA has codons whereas tRNA has anticodons