RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Definition

RNA is a molecule similar to DNA that plays crucial roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes.

Analogy

If we continue with our kitchen analogy from before where DNA was our cookbook; then RNA would be like our sous-chef who reads those recipes (transcription), makes copies (mRNA), helps assemble ingredients according to recipe instructions (tRNA) and even helps cook some dishes directly (rRNA).

Related terms

mRNA (Messenger RNA): This type carries copies of instructions for assembling amino acids into proteins from DNA to other parts of the cell.

tRNA(Transfer RNA): This type serves as physical link between mRNA sequence and amino acid sequence during protein synthesis by carrying appropriate amino acid for addition at correct place.

rRNA(Ribosomal RNA): This type combines with proteins to form ribosomes which serve as site for protein synthesis.