Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
RNAs (ribonucleic acids) are essential molecules in the process of converting genetic information from DNA into proteins. They play diverse roles such as coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) helps decode mRNA sequences into amino acids during translation.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of ribosomes and aids in protein synthesis.
Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) are involved in splicing pre-mRNA in the nucleus.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs.
Review Questions
Related terms
Transcription: The process by which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
Translation: The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.
Gene Expression: The overall process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the assembly of a protein molecule.