[Unit 8.3] | Structures Of Ribonucleic Acid

Question 1

What is a codon?

Answer 1

A sequence of 3 bases on mRNA that code for an amino acid.

Question 2

What is a genome?

Answer 2

• Complete set of genes in a cell (including those in mitochondria/chloroplasts).

Question 3

What is a proteome?

Answer 3

• The full range of proteins produced by the genome.

Question 4

How does RNA differ from DNA?

Answer 4

• Ribose sugar

• Single stranded

• Shorter

• Adenine pairs with Uracil

Question 5

What is the function of mRNA?

Answer 5

• Acts as a template for protein synthesis by copying genes & leaving the nucleus via the nuclear pores.

• Carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes.

Question 6

What is the function of tRNA?

Answer 6

• Has an attachment site that complements a specific amino acid.

• lt attaches to an amino acid and transports it to the ribosomes for use in protein synthesis.

Question 7

List the features of tRNA.

Answer 7

• Single-stranded & Clover-shaped.

• Hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs hold it in shape.

• Sequence of 3 bases at one end called the anti-codon.

• Contains an amino acid binding site at the other end.