RNA Structure and Function

1. RNA Structure and Function

2. Another Nucleic Acid?? Meet RNA • Monomer: Polymer: • What are some differences between DNA and RNA?

4. DNA Sugar= Deoxyribose Double stranded Contains the base thymine Found only in the nucleus RNA Sugar= Ribose Single Stranded Contains the base uracil Found in the nucleus and the cytoplasm Differences between DNA and RNA

5. DNA Function • DNA holds your genetic information • Each gene codes for the production of a specific protein • The genetic code is in the sequence of nucleotides

6. RNA Function • DNA can never leave the nucleus • RNA can make a copy of the DNA gene and carry it out to the ribosome • The process of copying DNA into RNA is called transcription

7. TRANSCRIPTION

8. Transcription • Transcription takes place in the nucleus • The goal of transcription is to make an RNA copy of a gene

9. Transcription • Step One: The DNA molecule “unzips” • Step Two: Following the rules of base pairing, a single stranded RNA molecule is made • Remember in RNA U replaces T so… • Base Pairing • A  U • T  A • C  G • G  C

10. Transcription

11. Transcription • Transcribe the following DNA sequence into RNA: • DNA: T A C C G G T A A • RNA: A U G G C C A U U • The type of RNA made during transcription is called messenger RNA (mRNA) • Step Three:mRNA leaves the nucleus and carries a copy of the gene to the ribosome

12. What happens next…