Question

Match the following statements with rRNA, mRNA, or tRNA: a. is the smallest type of RNA b. makes up the highest percentage of RNA in the cell c. carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes

Short answer

a. tRNA, b. rRNA, c. mRNA

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Smallest Type of RNA

Analyze statement (a): 'is the smallest type of RNA.' The smallest type of RNA is transfer RNA (tRNA).

Determine the Highest Percentage of RNA

Analyze statement (b): 'makes up the highest percentage of RNA in the cell.' Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) makes up about 80% of the total RNA in the cell, making it the most abundant type.

Match the RNA that Transports Genetic Information

Analyze statement (c): 'carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes.' Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for transporting genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Key concepts

transfer RNA (tRNA)

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. It is the smallest type of RNA, usually about 70-90 nucleotides long. tRNA's structure enables it to carry amino acids to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
Each tRNA has a specific anticodon that pairs with a corresponding codon on the mRNA. This ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.
Some key points about tRNA include:

• It has a cloverleaf structure.
• It binds to a specific amino acid.
• It plays a key role in reading the mRNA code.

ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is essential for protein synthesis and makes up the bulk of the ribosome's structure. It is the most abundant type of RNA, constituting about 80% of the total RNA in a cell.
rRNA combines with proteins to form the two subunits of the ribosome, which reads the mRNA sequence and assembles the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
Important functions of rRNA include:

• Providing structural support for ribosomes.
• Facilitating the binding of tRNA and mRNA.
• Catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds.

messenger RNA (mRNA)

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for carrying the genetic code from DNA out of the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.
mRNA is transcribed from a DNA template and then processed to include a 5' cap and a poly-A tail, which protect it and aid in translation.
Key features of mRNA include:

• Contains codons, sequences of three nucleotides that code for specific amino acids.
• Acts as a template for protein synthesis during translation.
• Variation in mRNA sequences allows for the synthesis of diverse proteins.

protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process of creating proteins from amino acids, guided by the information encoded in mRNA.
This process consists of two main stages: transcription and translation.
During transcription, an mRNA copy of a gene is made from DNA in the nucleus. The mRNA then travels to the ribosome in the cytoplasm for translation.
In translation:

• mRNA is decoded to provide the sequence of amino acids for the protein.
• tRNA brings the correct amino acids in sequence as it pairs its anticodon with mRNA codons.
• rRNA in the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids.

The result is a new protein molecule that will undergo folding and post-translational modifications to become fully functional.