Types of RNA and Their Functions

Flashcards covering the major types of RNA, their functions, and related concepts from the lecture notes.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Used as the template for protein synthesis; contains instructions for the sequence of amino acids. Transcribed from a gene- portion of DNA sequence.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Carries amino acids for peptide bond formation; there are at least 20 tRNAs corresponding to different amino acids. Smallest nucleotide

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Provides structural and catalytic properties; basis of the term ribozyme; most abundant type of RNA.

Small nuclear RNA (snRNA)

Participates in the splicing of RNA introns in eukaryotic cells.

Micro RNA (miRNA)

Small non-coding RNAs that bind to complementary mRNA molecules and inhibit translation.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)

Small RNA molecules that bind to mRNA and facilitate its degradation; inclisiran is a drug example

Signal-recognition particle

An RNA-protein complex that helps target newly synthesized proteins to their correct locations. A small RNA molecule is an essential component of this complex

Telomerase

An enzyme that maintains the telomeres of chromosomes during DNA replication; RNA is a component of telomerase.