Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Definition
RNA is a molecule similar to DNA that plays a crucial role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.
Analogy
Think of RNA as the chef in your body's kitchen. The DNA (the recipe book) can't cook anything by itself. It needs the chef (RNA) to read the recipes and make the meals (proteins).
Related terms
Messenger RNA (mRNA): This type of RNA carries instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): tRNA is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome where they are assembled into proteins.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): rRNA combines with proteins to form ribosomes, which serve as sites for protein synthesis.
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