Nucleic Acids: RNA Flashcards

Flashcards covering the structure, types, and functions of RNA, as well as comparison of RNA to DNA.

RNA

A polymer formed by condensation of nucleotide monomers.

Directionality

The directionality of RNA and DNA.

Differences between DNA and RNA

Key differences include number of strands, pentose sugar, and nitrogenous bases used.

RNA Structure

A single chain (strand) of nucleotides joined by condensation (dehydration synthesis).

Phosphodiester Linkage

The connection that occurs between nucleotides in RNA.

RNA Nucleotide Components

Phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Sugar in RNA

Ribose.

Deoxyribose Difference

Missing the oxygen atom on the hydroxyl group branching off C2.

Nitrogenous base in RNA (instead of Thymine)

Uracil.

Nitrogenous bases shared by RNA and DNA

Adenine, guanine, and cytosine.

Number of strands in DNA

2 (double-stranded).

Number of strands in RNA

1 (single-stranded).

Pentose sugar in DNA

Deoxyribose.

Pentose sugar in RNA

Ribose.

Nitrogenous bases in DNA

Adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), cytosine (C).

Nitrogenous bases in RNA

Adenine (A), uracil (U), guanine (G), cytosine (C).

Location of DNA

In nucleus (eukaryotic cells), nucleoid region (prokaryotic cells), mitochondria, chloroplasts.

Location of RNA

Made in the nucleus (eukaryotic cells) and nucleoid region (prokaryotic cells), but can travel throughout the cell.

Function of DNA

Passes heredity information between generations; codes for RNA during gene expression.

Function of RNA

Codes for polypeptide chains during protein synthesis (translation).

RNA Base Pairing

Can form complementary base pairs via hydrogen bonding, especially in rRNA and tRNA; some viruses carry it as a double-stranded molecule.

Main Types of RNA

mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

Role of RNA Types

Involved in gene expression, specifically translation.

mRNA Function

Exported from nucleus to cytoplasm to be bound to rRNA (ribosome) for translation.

rRNA Function

Becomes part of the 80s ribosome structure.

tRNA Function

Delivers amino acids to ribosome as they match with the code of mRNA.