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Q. What are the different types of RNA and their functions?
Ans. RNA can be classified into mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA. mRNA carries genetic instructions from DNA, rRNA forms the ribosome's structural framework, and tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein assembly.
Q. What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?
Ans. RNA coordinates the process of protein synthesis. mRNA provides the template, rRNA helps assemble the ribosome, and tRNA delivers amino acids to build the protein chain.
Q. Why is uracil present in RNA instead of thymine?
Ans. Uracil replaces thymine in RNA because it is energetically less costly to produce. Additionally, RNA's single-stranded nature allows uracil to function efficiently.
Q. What makes RNA different from DNA?
Ans. RNA contains a ribose sugar, uracil instead of thymine, and is single-stranded, whereas DNA has deoxyribose sugar, thymine, and is double-stranded.
Types of RNA, Overview, Definition, Different Types and Differences
Types of RNA, Learn about the types of RNA—mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA—their structure, functions, and importance in protein synthesis. Essential knowledge for NEET exam preparation
Krati Saraswat5 Jun, 2025
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Types of RNA: Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) is an essential molecule that plays a key role in various biological processes, particularly in the synthesis of proteins. Unlike DNA, RNA is single-stranded and contains ribose sugar. It is involved in transferring genetic information, decoding it, and aiding in protein synthesis. RNA molecules exist in different forms, each with unique roles that collectively contribute to the proper functioning of cells. Understanding the types of RNA is fundamental to mastering molecular biology, making it an important topic for the NEET exam .
Types of RNA
RNA exists in several forms, each vital for different stages of protein synthesis and cellular functions. The three primary types of RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA). Each type has specific roles and characteristics.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
mRNA serves as the carrier of genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. It is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus and carries the genetic code to the cytoplasm. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the order of amino acids in the protein chain, making it a direct template for protein synthesis.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery that assembles proteins. Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and proteins, working together to read the mRNA sequence and facilitate the joining of amino acids. rRNA ensures the stability of the ribosome and catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
tRNA is responsible for transferring amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and recognizes the corresponding codon on the mRNA through its anticodon region. This ensures the correct sequence of amino acids is added to the growing protein chain.
RNA Definition
RNA, or Ribonucleic Acid, is a nucleic acid made up of long chains of nucleotides. These nucleotides consist of ribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nitrogenous bases (adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine). RNA plays a significant role in gene expression and protein synthesis. Unlike DNA, RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, making it structurally and functionally distinct.
Difference Between mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA
The table highlights the key differences between mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA, focusing on their structure, functions, and roles in protein synthesis.
Difference Between mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA
Feature
mRNA (Messenger RNA)
rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)
tRNA (Transfer RNA)
Definition
Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
Forms the structural and functional components of ribosomes.
Transfers specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Structure
Single-stranded and linear.
Complex, folded structure forming ribosomes.
Cloverleaf-like structure with an anticodon region.
Function
Serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Ensures ribosome stability and catalyzes peptide bond formation.
Matches amino acids to the mRNA codons using its anticodon.
Location
Found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Found in the ribosomes within the cytoplasm.
Found in the cytoplasm.
Lifespan
Short-lived; degraded after protein synthesis.
Long-lived; remains stable as part of the ribosome.
Stable; reused in protein synthesis.
Abundance
Less abundant compared to rRNA.
Most abundant RNA type in the cell.
Moderate abundance.
Role in Translation
Provides the code for assembling proteins.
Creates the site for protein synthesis and aids in translation.
Delivers amino acids to the ribosome and ensures their correct placement.
MCQs of Types of RNA
Q1. Which of the following RNAs should be most abundant in animal cells?
r-RNA
t-RNA
m-RNA
mi-RNA
Q2. Which of the following rRNA acts as structural RNA as well as ribozyme in bacteria? (2016-II)
