Difference between revisions of "RNA"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
ribonucleic acid | ribonucleic acid | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948 1948] |
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
*1: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the [[control]] of [[cellular]] chemical [[activities]] | *1: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the [[control]] of [[cellular]] chemical [[activities]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | ''Ribonucleic acid'' /raɪbɵ.njuːˌkleɪ.ɨk ˈæsɪd/, or '''RNA''', is part of a group of [[molecules]] known as the nucleic acids, which are one of the four major macromolecules (along with lipids, carbohydrates and proteins) essential for all known forms of [[life]]. Like [[DNA]], RNA is made up of a long chain of components called [ | + | ''Ribonucleic acid'' /raɪbɵ.njuːˌkleɪ.ɨk ˈæsɪd/, or '''RNA''', is part of a group of [[molecules]] known as the nucleic acids, which are one of the four major macromolecules (along with lipids, carbohydrates and proteins) essential for all known forms of [[life]]. Like [[DNA]], RNA is made up of a long chain of components called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleotide nucleotides]. Each nucleotide consists of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleobase nucleobase], a ribose sugar, and a phosphate group. The [[sequence]] of nucleotides allows RNA to encode genetic [[information]]. All cellular [[organisms]] use [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_RNA messenger RNA] (mRNA) to carry the genetic information that directs the [[synthesis]] of proteins. In addition, many [[viruses]] use RNA instead of DNA as their genetic material. |
| − | Some RNA [[molecules]] play an active role in cells by [[catalyzing]] [[biological]] [[reactions]], controlling gene [[expression]], or sensing and communicating responses to [[cellular]] [[signals]]. One of these active processes is [ | + | Some RNA [[molecules]] play an active role in cells by [[catalyzing]] [[biological]] [[reactions]], controlling gene [[expression]], or sensing and communicating responses to [[cellular]] [[signals]]. One of these active processes is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_biosynthesis protein synthesis], a universal function whereby mRNA molecules direct the assembly of proteins on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribosome ribosomes]. This process uses transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to deliver amino acids to the ribosome, where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) links amino acids together to form proteins. |
| − | The [[chemical]] [[structure]] of RNA is very similar to that of [[DNA]], with two [[differences]]: (a) RNA contains the sugar ribose, while DNA contains the slightly different sugar deoxyribose (a type of ribose that lacks one oxygen atom), and (b) RNA has the nucleobase uracil while DNA contains thymine. Unlike DNA, most RNA molecules are single-stranded and can adopt very [[complex]] three-dimensional [[structures]].[ | + | The [[chemical]] [[structure]] of RNA is very similar to that of [[DNA]], with two [[differences]]: (a) RNA contains the sugar ribose, while DNA contains the slightly different sugar deoxyribose (a type of ribose that lacks one oxygen atom), and (b) RNA has the nucleobase uracil while DNA contains thymine. Unlike DNA, most RNA molecules are single-stranded and can adopt very [[complex]] three-dimensional [[structures]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rna] |
[[Category: Biology]] | [[Category: Biology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:32, 13 December 2020
Origin
ribonucleic acid
Definition
- 1: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities
Description
Ribonucleic acid /raɪbɵ.njuːˌkleɪ.ɨk ˈæsɪd/, or RNA, is part of a group of molecules known as the nucleic acids, which are one of the four major macromolecules (along with lipids, carbohydrates and proteins) essential for all known forms of life. Like DNA, RNA is made up of a long chain of components called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a nucleobase, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate group. The sequence of nucleotides allows RNA to encode genetic information. All cellular organisms use messenger RNA (mRNA) to carry the genetic information that directs the synthesis of proteins. In addition, many viruses use RNA instead of DNA as their genetic material.
Some RNA molecules play an active role in cells by catalyzing biological reactions, controlling gene expression, or sensing and communicating responses to cellular signals. One of these active processes is protein synthesis, a universal function whereby mRNA molecules direct the assembly of proteins on ribosomes. This process uses transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to deliver amino acids to the ribosome, where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) links amino acids together to form proteins.
The chemical structure of RNA is very similar to that of DNA, with two differences: (a) RNA contains the sugar ribose, while DNA contains the slightly different sugar deoxyribose (a type of ribose that lacks one oxygen atom), and (b) RNA has the nucleobase uracil while DNA contains thymine. Unlike DNA, most RNA molecules are single-stranded and can adopt very complex three-dimensional structures.[1]
