We often hear the word DNA, but not so much is said about RNA. What is it and what role does this acid play in
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RNA (ribonucleic acid), like DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid), – it is a molecule that is assembled from a chain of blocks called “nucleotides.” Each nucleotide has one chemical letter, that is, a “base”: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T), uracil (U).
Also, DNA is usually longer than RNA. The shortest RNAs are microRNAs and small interfering RNA, the longest – copy of the titin gene.
What is the function of RNA in the body?It carries biological information, while DNA stores information in the human genome (that is, in the so-called instructions for creating an organism). In addition, RNA performs various functions that affect how genes are read.
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Both forms of acid – DNA and RNA –have a similar structure. They consist of ribose, phosphate and sugar. But the sugars in the DNA backbone lack a hydroxyl group (hydrogen + oxygen), and this turns ribose into deoxyribose.
Also DNA – it is a double helix, whereasRNA – it is usually a single-chain molecule. In addition, RNA is unstable, but it is because of this that genetic instructions have a temporary effect and can change. If this did not happen, then proteins in the body could not be formed (this process is called gene expression), and glucose would be converted into fat or glycogen.
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