RNA

Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, is molecule present in all living organisms. Like DNA, RNA consists of a chain of simple building blocks called nucleotides. The chemical properties of RNA allow this chain to fold back on itself, creating a diverse array of stable structures.

 

 

 

 

Comparison to DNA

Main article : Comparison of RNA and DNA

RNA, like DNA, is composed of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar joined to a phosphate group and a base. RNA differs from DNA in the identity of the sugar and one of the four bases. The sugar ribose present in RNA, while DNA contains the closely related sugar deoxyribose. Additionally, RNA incorporates the base uracil, while DNA makes use of its close relative, thymine.

 

Directionality

Main article : Directionality of RNA

Nucleotides are connected by bonds between the phosphate group and sugar. In most RNAs, each nucleotide is connected to others at only two places - the 5' and 3' ("five-prime" and "three prime") positions of the sugar. As a result, every linear chain of nucleotides has two distinct ends - one where the 3' position is unbound, and another where the 5' position of the sugar is free.

 

Structure

Main article : RNA Structure

At its most basic level, the structure of RNA consists of the order of nucleotides. Base pairing between nucleotides in the same molecule allows an RNA to fold back on itself to create a second level of structure. The three-dimensional arrangement of these folds creates a third level of structure. The interaction of RNA and other molecules then creates a final, quaternary level of structure.

 

RNA in Cellular Life

Main article : Roles of RNA

 

RNA Viruses

Main article : RNA Viruses

 

RNA Enzymes

Main article : Ribozyme

 

Aptamers

Main article : Aptamers