RNA Flashcards
What is RNA
a polymer of a nucleotide
what is RNA formed of
a ribose, a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group
what are the nitrogenous bases in RNA
adenine and uracil
cytosine and guanine
descriobe the strcuture of RNA
in comparison to DNA
a relitavely short polynucleotide chain + it is single-stranded
what is the function of RNA
to copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
what is some RNA combined with
protien
why are some RNA combined with ribosomes
to create ribosomes
name the three types of RNA
messenger RNA
transfer RNA
ribosomal RNA
mRNA
What is mRNA
a copy of a gene from DNA
mRNA
where is it created
in the nuclues
mRNA
function
what happens
it is created in the nuclues and then leaves to carry the copy of the genetic code of one gene to a ribosome in the cytoplasm
mRNA
why it mRNA required
why not DNA?
DNA is to large to leave the nucleus and would be at risk of being damaged by enzymes which would destroy the genetic code permenantly
mRNA
describe the length of mRNA
in comparison to DNA
it is much shorter than DNA
mRNA
why is mRNA much shorter
as it is only the length of one gene
mRNA
why is it important mRNA is short
it can leave the nucleus as it is small enough to fit through the nuclear pores
mRNA
describe its life length
it is short-lived
mRNA
why is mRNA short lived
only temporarily needed to help create a protien
mRNA
what are codons
the three bases in the sequence that code for a specific amino acids
tRNA
where is it found
only in the cytoplasm
tRNA
describe its shape
it is single stranded and folded to create a shape that looks like a cloverleaf shape
tRNA
how is the cloverleaf shape held in place
hydrogen bonds
tRNA
what is the function of tRNA
attatch to one of the 20 amino acids and transfer this amino acid to the ribosome to create the polypeptide chain
tRNA
what attaches to to specific tRNA molecules
specific amino acids
tRNA
what determinds what specific amino acids attach to specific tRNA molecules
the 3 bases found on the tRNA which are complimentary to the 3 bases on mRNA
