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Biology - Unit 1 Biological Molecules > RNA > Flashcards

RNA Flashcards

1
Q

What is RNA?

A
  • Polymer of a nucleotide
  • Nucleotide formed of a Ribose, Nitrogenous base and a Phosphate group
  • Single stranded polymer
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2
Q

What are the nitrogenous bases in RNA

A

Adenine
Uracil
Cytosine
Guanine

RNA has uracilinstead of thymine

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3
Q

What is the function of RNA?

A

To copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
- Some RNA is also combined with proteins to create ribosomes

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4
Q

What are the 3 types of RNA

A

mRNA
tRNA
rRNA

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5
Q

What is mRNA - messenger RNA

A
  • A copy of a gene from DNA
  • mRNA is short as it’s only the length of one gene so it can leave the nucleus
  • It has a linear structure - single stranded
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6
Q

Where is mRNA created?

A

In the nucleus (transcription)
When DNA slightly unravels at the start of protein synthesis, a copy of the unraveled DNA is made in mRNA
- This is because DNA is too large to leave the nucleus

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7
Q

mRNA linear structure - codons

A

mRNA is single stranded and every 3 bases in the sequence codes for a specific amino acid
The 3 bases are called codons (mRNA triplets)

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8
Q

What is the function of mRNA?

A
  • Leaves the nucleus to carry the copy of the genetic code of one gene to a ribosome in the cytoplasm
  • mRNA is short lived ; it can code for the protein and then it gets degraded
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9
Q

Why can’t DNA leave the nucleus?

A
  • It is too large and it can be exposed to enzymes which can hydrolyse the DNA or RNA polymers
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10
Q

What is the function of tRNA - transfer RNA?

A
  • To attach to one of the 20 amino acids and **transfer that amino acid to the ribosome to create the polypeptide chain **
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11
Q

Where is tRNA found?

A

In the cytoplasm only

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12
Q

What is the shape of tRNA?

A

Single stranded but it folds to create a clover-leaf shape which is held in place by hydrogen bonds
- Hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs

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13
Q

How do you determine which specific amino acid will attach to specific RNA molecules?

A
  • Determined by 3 bases found on the tRNA which are complementary to the 3 bases on mRNA
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14
Q

What are anticodons?

A

Anticodons = 3 unattached bases
They are complementary to the codons on mRNA

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15
Q

Where is the amino acid binding site?

A

3 exposed bases at the top of the tRNA molecule are where the amino acid binds

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16
Q

mRNA vs tRNA

A

Feature | mRNA | tRNA
Shape | linear | Clover leaf
Bases | Codon | Anticodon
Formed | Nucleus | Cytoplasm
Involved | Transcription | Translation
Translation

Biology - Unit 1 Biological Molecules (9 decks)

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