Hi.
I was wonderind what the differences and similarities are between the three forms of rna subunits?
Thanks.
I'm going to assume that by "forms of subunits" you are talking about the types of RNA: tRNA, mRNA and rRNA
tRNA - carries a specific amino acid to the ribosome for translation, and it does so as it has a specific anticodon that is complementary to the codon of the mRNA.
mRNA - is the product of transcription - RNA polymerase (enzyme) transcribes the DNA template strand which then results in a sequence of nucleotides complementary to template strand. The nucleotides are ‘read’ by the ribosome three at a time (codons).
rRNA - together with various proteins make up the ribosome.
Essentially, they all play roles in in transcription and translation which is required in order for cells to manufacture proteins (which are responsible for carrying out cell functions that sustain life).
Note: any RNA contains Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Uracil (no thymine!)
So similarities:
- they all have A,U,G,C bases
Differences:
- They all play different roles in protein synthesis as mentioned above
- They all have different structures, I’m not quite sure how to embed pictures just yet, but if you google them you will find that mRNA looks like a ‘spring’ or ‘coil’ whereas tRNA has a clover shaped ‘loop’ structure
Last year we were told that we should confidently be able to label and/or identify tRNA and its anticodon and also be able to provide sequences complimentary to any strands of RNA that we were provided with.
e.g. provide anticodon sequence for 'AUG'
Edit: sorry for doubling up with DBA-144, didn't realise that a response had been provided