RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that is essential for various biological processes in living organisms. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, gene expression, and regulation of the flow of genetic information. RNA is similar to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) but with some key differences.
RNA is a single-stranded molecule, unlike the double-stranded structure of DNA. It is made up of a chain of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar molecule (ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil). The four types of RNA include messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and other small non-coding RNAs.
RNA serves several important functions within the cell:
When studying RNA, it's important to focus on the following key concepts:
Understanding these concepts will provide a solid foundation for comprehending the role and significance of RNA in biological systems.