Which Represents a Strand of RNA Bases?
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that plays a vital role in cell function. It is responsible for carrying genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
RNA is a single-stranded molecule, meaning that it has only one chain of nucleotides. Each nucleotide in an RNA molecule consists of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.
The four nitrogenous bases found in RNA are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U). Adenine and guanine are purines, while cytosine and uracil are pyrimidines.
The nitrogenous bases in RNA are complementary to each other, meaning that they pair up in a specific way. Adenine always pairs with uracil, and guanine always pairs with cytosine.
This complementary base pairing is what allows RNA to carry genetic information. The sequence of nitrogenous bases in an RNA molecule determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
Questions Related to Which Represents a Strand of RNA Bases
- Q: What is the chemical structure of an RNA nucleotide?
A: An RNA nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The nitrogenous bases in RNA are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U). The sugar in RNA is ribose. The phosphate group is attached to the 5-carbon sugar of one nucleotide and the 3-carbon sugar of the next nucleotide.
- Q: What are the four types of RNA?
A: The four types of RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small interfering RNA (siRNA). mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome. rRNA is a component of ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. tRNA transfers amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis. siRNA is a type of RNA that can silence genes.
- Q: What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?
A: RNA plays a vital role in protein synthesis. mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome. The ribosome uses this information to synthesize proteins.
The first step in protein synthesis is transcription. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and uses it as a template to synthesize mRNA. The mRNA then leaves the nucleus and travels to the ribosome.
The second step in protein synthesis is translation. During translation, the ribosome uses mRNA as a template to synthesize proteins. The ribosome reads the mRNA sequence three nucleotides at a time. Each group of three nucleotides is called a codon.
Each codon codes for a specific amino acid. The ribosome then adds the corresponding amino acid to the growing protein chain. This process continues until the mRNA sequence is complete.
Conclusion
RNA is a complex molecule that plays a vital role in cell function. It is responsible for carrying genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
