RNA: mRNA, tRNA and rRNA Flashcards
What does RNA stand for?
RNA stands for ribonucleic acid
What monomer forms RNA?
RNA is formed from the nucleotide monomer
What are nucleotide monomers formed from?
Nucleotide monomers are formed from a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group and a ribose
What are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?
- Adenine
- Cytosine
- Uracil
- Guanine
Where is mRNA created?
mRNA is created in the nucleus
Describe RNA’s structure
RNA has a relatively short polynucleotide chain and is single stranded
What is RNA’s function?
RNA’s function is to copy and transfer genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus into the ribosomes
What does mRNA stand for?
mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid
What is mRNA?
mRNA is a copy of a gene from the DNA
What are the three bases of mRNA called?
A codon
Why can’t DNA have mRNA’s role, why can’t DNA do it?
DNA is too large of a molecule to leave the nucleus, so since mRNA has a smaller structure it can leave the nucleus easier
What is mRNA’s function?
mRNA’s function is to carry a copy of genetic code from a gene to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm
Why does mRNA have a short life span?
mRNA has a short life spans because it is only needed temporarily to help create a protein, therefore by the time enzymes break it down it would have already carried out its function
What do every three bases code for?
Every three bases code for a specific amino acid
Where is tRNA located?
tRNA is located in cytoplasm
What does tRNA stand for?
Transfre RNA or Transfer ribonucleic acid
Describe the structure or RNA
tRNA is single stranded and has a shape similar to a cloverleaf. This shape is held together by hydrogen bonds
What shape is formed by tRNA?
tRNA has a cloverleaf shape
What is the function of tRNA?
tRNA attaches to one of the 20 amino acids and then transfers the amino acid to a ribosome, creating a polypeptide chain
Do just any amino acids attach to any tRNA molecules?
No, specific amino acids attach to specific tRNA molecules. this is determined by the three bases that are complementary
What are the bases on the tRNA molecule referred to as?
The bases on the tRNA molecule are called the anticodon
Why are the bases on the tRNA molecule referred to as the anticodon?
The three bases on the mRNA are called a codon and the complementary bases on the rRNA are called the anticodon
What does rRNA do?
rRNA makes the bulk of ribosomes
What two rRNA make the complete ribosome 70s?
rRNA is made form a small ribosome subunit (30s) and a larger ribosome subunit (50s)
What is the difference between RNA and DNA within their monomers?
- They have different bases - DNA has the thymine base and RNA has the uracil base
- They have different pentose sugar - DNA has the deoxyribose pentose sugar and RNA has the ribose pentose sugar
What is the difference between DNA and RNA within their polymers?
- DNA is double stranded and RNA is single stranded
- They have different structures - DNA has a larger shape as it contains the entire genome and RNA has a shorter structure as its the length of one gene
