Biochemistry · Molecular Biology and Genetics

RNA types and functions

4 min read

Quick Orientation

Section

Definition

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
RNA, ribonucleotides, 3′,5′-phosphodiester bridges

Types of RNA and Their Functions

Objective
Separate the major categories
Keywords
Types of RNA and Their Functions

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
hnRNA, 5′-cap, poly(A) tail

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
tRNA, clover-leaf structure, Holley

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
60S and 40S subunits, 28S, 5S and 5.8S rRNA, 18S rRNA

Clinical Correlation

Objective
Connect the mechanism to clinical findings
Keywords
Recombinant ribozymes

Definition

RNA is a polymer of ribonucleotides joined by 3′,5′-phosphodiester bridges; despite similarities to DNA, its structure differs in specific ways.