Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Definition

RNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid involved in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. It plays an essential role in the synthesis of proteins by acting as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.

Related terms

Messenger RNA (mRNA):

mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, directing the sequence of amino acids in protein synthesis.

Transfer RNA (tRNA):

tRNA helps decode a messenger RNA sequence into a protein during translation by transporting specific amino acids to the ribosome.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA):

rRNA forms the core of the ribosome's structure and catalyzes protein synthesis