RNA

=**RNA**=

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid similar to DNA. It is a single stranded chain of nucleotides that contains genetic information. It is used to send messages with the coded nucleotides to other parts of the cell, instructing cell functions such as protein synthesis in the ribosome. Each nucleotide is made up of adenine, cytocine, guanine, and uracil (A, C, G, U) which makes up the coding on the RNA strand. Note the Thymine is replaced by the Uracil when RNA is transcripted. Each one corresponds to the other half of the strand, the DNA, which the RNA splits from during transcription. When this messenger RNA reaches a ribosome, translation takes place, where the ribosome uses the code to make certain amino acids.

Responsible for the movement of genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the site of Protein synthesis in the cytosol Structure of RNA: Single-stranded nucleic acid made up of repeating units, like DNA Sugar molecule is RIBOSE (not deoxyribose) Thymine is replaced with URACIL (U)
 * < [[image:http://www.biologycorner.com/resources/mRNA-colored.gif width="165" height="229" align="left"]] ||< Messenger RNA (mRNA): RNA that is a template to make proteins in the ribosome. Nucleotides in a single uncoiled chain that carries genetic information from nucleus to the ribosome.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Attaches to mRNA to hold it together during translation. Nucleotides in a globular form.

Transfer RNA (tRNA): reads the mRNA codons using "anticodons". Nucleotides in a cloverfeaf chain.

Codon: a group of 3 Bases that create one amino acid during translation.


 * See animation of a RNA strand being translated at** http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=18654&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=&A=2

RNA is a DNA strand torn in half during transcription. A, C, G, U Contains Ribose Moves genetic information || Both nucleaic acids Both contain genetic information Use combination of 4 nucleotides ||< Double strand A, C, G, T Contains Dexyribose Stores genetic information ||
 * See video and interactive activites at** http://nobel.scas.bcit.ca/resource/dna/station2.htm# ||
 * < **RNA** || **Similar** ||< **DNA** ||
 * < Single strand