Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 28: Problem 29

What type of RNA has the shortest lifetime in cells?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Messenger RNA (mRNA) has the shortest lifetime in cells.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the three major types of RNA

The three main types of RNA that play important roles in cell biology are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
02

Understand the functions of the different RNA types

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes where it is used as a template for protein synthesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA) serves as an adaptor molecule that reads the information in mRNA and brings the correct amino acid required for building the protein. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of ribosomes and helps in the assembly and structure of ribosomes during protein synthesis.
03

Compare the lifetimes of the RNA types

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has a short lifetime as it degrades quickly after delivering its genetic information during protein synthesis. This allows for better regulation of gene expression, as the mRNA does not persist in the cell for long periods. Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) have longer lifetimes in the cell because they are reused multiple times during protein synthesis.
04

Determine the RNA type with the shortest lifetime

From the comparison of lifetimes, messenger RNA (mRNA) has the shortest lifetime in cells, serving its purpose of transferring genetic information for protein synthesis before degrading.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Write the DNA complement for 5'-TCAACGAT-3'.

Glycine, alanine, and valine are classified as nonpolar amino acids. Compare their codons. What similarities do you find? What differences do you find?

Write the mRNA codons for the following. (a) Valine (b) Histidine (c) Glycine

Write the mRNA complement for \(5^{\prime}\)-ACCGTTAAT-3'. Be certain to label which is the \(5^{\prime}\) end and which is the \(3^{\prime}\) end of the mRNA strand.

In terms of hydrogen bonding, which is more stable, an \(A-T\) base pair or a \(G-C\) base pair?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free