RNA

Question 1

What is the structure of RNA?

Answer 1

• a single stranded polymer of a nucleotide formed of a ribose (pentose sugar), a phosphate group and a nitrogenous group
• base uracil instead of thymine

Question 2

What is RNA?

Answer 2

ribonucleic acid

Question 3

How long is a RNA polymer?

Answer 3

relatively short polynucleotide chain compared to DNA

Question 4

What is the function of RNA?

Answer 4

• to copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
• some RNA is also combined with the proteins so create ribosomes

Question 5

What is mRNA?

Answer 5

A copy of a gene from DNA

Question 6

Where is mRNA produced?

Answer 6

the nucleus in transcription then leaves to carry the copy of the genetic code of one gene to a ribosome for translation

Question 7

What is the function of mRNA?

Answer 7

determines the sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis

Question 8

What is the structure of mRNA?

Answer 8

• single stranded
• every 3 bases in the sequence code for a specific amino acid (codon/triplet)
• small enough to leave the nuclear pores (only length of one gene)

Question 9

Why is mRNA easily broken down?

Answer 9

it is only needed to manufacture a protein so is short lived - only needed temporarily and would have already carried out its function before the it is broken down by enzymes

Question 10

What is the structure of tRNA?

Answer 10

• single stranded
• folded into a clover leaf shape held in place by hydrogen bonds between pairs
• small = 80 nucleotides

Question 11

What is the function of tRNA?

Answer 11

attach to amino acid and transfer it to ribosome to make polypeptide chain
- specific amino acid attach to specific tRNA = determined by anticodon(3 bases on tRNA complementary to 3 bases on mRNA)

Question 12

What is rRNA?

Answer 12

combines with protein to make a ribosome