Ribonucleic Acid is the full form of RNA. RNA is one of the essential nucleic acids in the body, while DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the other. According to the RNA theory, it is the first genetic material from which all the genetic code was extracted and from which early life arose. It is a self-replicating molecule. Simply put, RNA is the precursor to any form of life that exists in the world today.
Structure
The structure of RNA is briefly explained below.
- An RNA molecule contains phosphoric acid, a pentose sugar, and some cyclic nitrogen-containing bases.
- RNA has β-D-ribose in it as a sugar residue. Guanine (G), adenine (A), cytosine (C) and uracil (U) are heterocyclic bases existing in RNA. The fourth base in RNA is different from the base in DNA.
- Adenine and uracil are the main basic building blocks of RNA; both form base pairs by 2 hydrogen bonds.
- RNA consists mainly of a single strand that sometimes folds back.
- RNA exhibits a hairpin structure, and like nucleotides in DNA, nucleotides are generated in this ribonucleic material (RNA). Nucleosides are like phosphate groups that also often help in the synthesis of nucleotides in DNA.
Different types of RNA
There are different types of RNA, of which the best known and most widespread in the human body are:
tRNA (transfer RNA)
Transfer RNA is responsible for identifying the appropriate protein or amino acids that the body needs to help the ribosomes. It is at the end points of each amino acid. Also called soluble RNA, it forms the link between the amino acid and the messenger RNA.
mRNA (Messenger RNA)
As the name suggests, mRNA is responsible for getting the genetic material into the ribosomes and determining what kind of protein the body needs. It is also known as messenger RNA. Such m-RNA is usually used in the process of transcription and protein production.
rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)
rRNA is a ribosomal component found inside the cytoplasm of a cell where ribosomes are found. Ribosomal RNA is needed mainly for the synthesis and translation of mRNA into proteins for all living things. rRNA consists primarily of cellular RNA and is the most abundant RNA in the cells of all life forms.
Primary function of RNA
The critical functions of RNA are listed below-
- It enables faster translation of DNA into proteins.
- It operates as a protein synthesising adaptor molecule.
- It acts as a messenger between the DNA and ribosomes.
- For all the living organisms, RNA is the transmitter of genetic material.
- It encourages the ribosomes to select the amino acid needed to build new proteins in the body.