3.4 mRNA & tRNA

What does mRNA stand for?

mRNA stands for messenger RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Which process synthesises mRNA molecules?

mRNA is synthesised in transcription.

What is the role of mRNA?

mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to theribosomes for protein synthesis.

Describe the structure of mRNA molecules.

mRNA molecules are single-stranded and linear.

What is a codon?

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

What does tRNA stand for?

tRNA stands for transfer RNA (ribonucleic acid).

What is the role of tRNA?

tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosomes to build up a polypeptide chain.

Describe the structure of tRNA molecules.

tRNA molecules are single-stranded molecules folded into a clover-leaf shape, held together by hydrogen bonds. They contain an anticodon and an amino acid binding site.

What is an anticodon?

An anticodon is a sequence of 3 bases at one end of a tRNA molecule.

What are the similarities between mRNA and tRNA molecules?

1. Both are single-stranded molecules 

2. Both contain ribose, phosphate and nitrogenous bases 

What are the differences between mRNA and tRNA molecules?

1. mRNA is linear, tRNA is clover-leaf shaped

2. mRNA is longer 

3. tRNA contains hydrogen bonds, mRNA does not

4. tRNA contains an amino acid binding site, mRNA does not 

5. mRNA contains codons, tRNA contains anticodons