Question

Describe various kinds of RNA.

Answer 1

The three principal RNAs involved in protein synthesis are messenger RNA, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA.

1. Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries the genetic message copied from DNA to the ribosome. Its bases are read in triplets called codons, which specify amino acids or translation signals.
2. Transfer RNA (tRNA): Acts as an adaptor. Each tRNA carries a particular amino acid and has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding mRNA codon. Its amino-acid attachment site is at the [3'] end.
3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Combines with proteins to form ribosomes. It provides structural support and helps catalyse peptide-bond formation during translation.

Together, mRNA provides the instructions, tRNA delivers the amino acids, and rRNA forms and helps operate the protein-making machinery.