Four prominent examples of RNA molecules are:
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Messenger RNA (mRNA): mRNA carries genetic information copied from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. Think of it as the delivery service for the blueprint of a protein. As stated in the provided text, mRNA is translated into a polypeptide.
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Transfer RNA (tRNA): tRNA molecules act as adaptors, carrying specific amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. They match up the amino acids to the mRNA sequence. The reference material notes that tRNA will bind an amino acid to one end and has an anticodon on the other.
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Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. It forms the essential framework of ribosomes. The provided text mentions Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) as a key type of RNA.
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MicroRNA (miRNA): miRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs, either inhibiting their translation or promoting their degradation. They act like tiny molecular switches influencing gene activity.
These four types of RNA play critical and distinct roles in gene expression and protein synthesis.
