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Chapter 10: Problem 19

What are the three major types of RNA molecules? How is each related to the concept of information flow?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The three major types of RNA molecules are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In the context of information flow, mRNA transmits the genetic code from DNA to the site of protein synthesis, tRNA translates the genetic information in mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein, and rRNA facilitates the translation process by providing a structural and functional framework for protein synthesis.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the three major types of RNA molecules

To answer this question, we first need to identify the three major types of RNA molecules. They are: 1. Messenger RNA (mRNA) 2. Transfer RNA (tRNA) 3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
02

Describe the role of mRNA in information flow

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is produced during the transcription process, which is the first step of gene expression. In this process, the genetic information stored within the DNA is copied into an mRNA. The mRNA acts as a template that will carry the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where the process of translation will occur. During translation, the information within the mRNA is decoded into a sequence of amino acids, which will form a protein. In the context of the information flow, mRNA plays a crucial role in transmitting the genetic code from the DNA to the site of protein synthesis.
03

Describe the role of tRNA in information flow

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome, the site where the proteins are synthesized. Each tRNA molecule can recognize a specific codon (a three-nucleotide sequence) on the mRNA and is bound to the corresponding amino acids. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNA molecules bring in the amino acids that match the codons of the mRNA. The amino acids are then joined together in the correct order to create a protein. In the context of information flow, tRNA is responsible for translating the genetic information in the mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids, which ultimately forms the protein.
04

Describe the role of rRNA in information flow

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is an essential component of the ribosome, which is the cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs. rRNA molecules form the core of the ribosome and provide a framework for the correct positioning of both mRNA and tRNA during translation. Furthermore, rRNA has catalytic properties that play a crucial role in peptide bond formation between amino acids. Thus, in the context of information flow, rRNA is responsible for facilitating the translation process by providing a structural and functional framework for protein synthesis.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

List three main differences between DNA and RNA.

What observations are consistent with the conclusion that DNA serves as the genetic material in eukaryotes? List and discuss them.

Discuss the reasons proteins were generally favored over DNA as the genetic material before \(1940 .\) What was the role of the tetranucleotide hypothesis in this controversy?

What is the chemical basis of molecular hybridization?

In this chapter, we first focused on the information that showed DNA to be the genetic material and then discussed the structure of DNA as proposed by Watson and Crick. We concluded the chapter by describing various techniques developed to study DNA. Along the way, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions: (a) How were scientists able to determine that DNA, and not some other molecule, serves as the genetic material in bacteria and bacteriophages? (b) How do we know that DNA also serves as the genetic material in eukaryotes such as humans? (c) How was it determined that the structure of DNA is a double helix with the two strands held together by hydrogen bonds formed between complementary nitrogenous bases? (d) How do we know that G pairs with C and that A pairs with \(\mathrm{T}\) as complementary base pairs are formed? (e) How do we know that repetitive DNA sequences exist in eukaryotes?
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