Integral University Assignment: World of RNA PDF

# Integral University Assignment ## World of RNA: Structure and Significance of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. **Submitted by:** Zaina Shadab **Submitted to:** Dr. Irfan. **Name:** Zaina Shadab **Branch:** Bsc [Hans] Biotechnology **Year/Sem:** 1st **Enroll No:** 2400104127 ## Ribonucleic Acid RNA (Ribo...

# Integral University Assignment ## World of RNA: Structure and Significance of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. **Submitted by:** Zaina Shadab **Submitted to:** Dr. Irfan. **Name:** Zaina Shadab **Branch:** Bsc [Hans] Biotechnology **Year/Sem:** 1st **Enroll No:** 2400104127 ## Ribonucleic Acid RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a crucial molecule involved in the flow of genetic information within cells. Unlike DNA, RNA is typically single-stranded and plays various roles in the central dogma of molecular biology which states that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA and then to proteins. RNA acts as an intermediary in this process and is divided into three major types, each with distinct functions: 1. mRNA (messenger RNA) 2. tRNA (transfer RNA) 3. rRNA (Ribosomal RNA) RNA is more versatile. RNA’s flexibility is highlighted by its structure and the range of functions it carries out in the cell. While DNA serves as the permanent storage of genetic information, RNA is more versatile. It not only transmits genetic codes but also helps in the assembly of proteins and regulation of gene expression. ### Nucleobases of RNA - Cytosine - Guanine - Adenine - Uracil A diagram is shown with the chemical structures of the four nucleobases and a diagram of a DNA double helix. ## mRNA ### Structure mRNA is a linear, single-stranded molecule composed of ribonucleotides. In eukaryotic cells, it typically contains a 5’ cap at the beginning, a coding sequence in the middle, and a poly-A tail at the end. These elements protect the mRNA from degradation and facilitate its export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it will be translated into a protein. ### Function mRNA acts as a template for protein synthesis. It is transcribed from the DNA in the nucleus and carries the genetic instruction to the ribosomes, the site of protein synthesis. The mRNA’s sequence of codons, sets of three nucleotides, determines the sequence of amino acids in the resulting protein. ### Significance mRNA plays a central role in the expression of genes through processes like alternative splicing. A single gene can produce multiple protein variants, contributing to the diversity of proteins in the cell. Additionally, mutations in mRNA can lead to genetic disorders, making it a key player in understanding molecular disorders. A diagram is shown depicting the structure of mRNA, including a 5' cap, 5' UTR, coding region, 3' UTR, and poly-A tail. ## tRNA ### Structure tRNA has a distinctive cloverleaf structure, forming an L shape when folded in three dimensions. It contains an anticodon loop, which has a sequence of three nucleotides that are complementary to the mRNA codons, and an amino acid attachment site at the opposite end. ### Function tRNA is responsible for translating the genetic code in mRNA into amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid that corresponds to the codon on the mRNA. During translation, the tRNA anticodon pairs with the complementary mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. ### Significance tRNA is essential for the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins. Its ability to correctly match amino acids to their corresponding codons ensures the fidelity of protein synthesis, which is critical for the proper functioning of cells. A diagram is shown summarizing the structure of tRNA, including the discriminator base (73), acceptor stem, D arm, T arm, variable arm, and anticodon arm. ## rRNA ### Structure rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes, which are made up of rRNA and proteins. In prokaryotes, the ribosome is composed of two subunits (30S and 50S), while eukaryotes have 40S and 60S subunits. The rRNA within these subunits is highly conserved due to its fundamental role in the cell. ### Function rRNA helps to catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during translation. It also plays a structural role, ensuring that mRNA and tRNA are properly aligned within the ribosomes. rRNA’s enzymatic function is crucial for the assembly of proteins, as it facilitates the correct interactions between the tRNA molecules and the mRNA. ### Significance rRNA’s involvement in protein synthesis is vital to cellular function. Its high conservation across species makes it a valuable tool for evolutionary studies. For example, 16S rRNA is used in phylogenetics to study evolutionary relationships between organisms. A diagram is shown illustrating the structure of a ribosome, including the 40S and 60S subunits, the mRNA transcript, the rRNA molecules, and the tRNA molecule carrying an amino acid. ## Interactions Between mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA mRNA provides the genetic instructions for assembling a protein. tRNA decodes the mRNA and delivers the appropriate amino acids, while rRNA ensures the correct alignment and catalyzes the bond formation between amino acids. Together, these three types of RNA work in concert to ensure accurate and efficient protein synthesis.