R
N
A
What is RNA?
Ribonucleic acid is
genetic
information.
It is similar to DNA
because it is also
made of a sugar
phosphate
backbone and
nitrogenous bases.
The structural differences
between DNA and RNA
1. Sugars
- DNA has Deoxyribose
in its backbone
- RNA has Ribose in its
backbone.
DNA has one less oxygen
in it’s sugar. “Deoxy”
The structural differences
between DNA and RNA
2. Nitrogenous Bases
- DNA has Thymine
- RNA has Uracil
They both have Adenine,
Cytosine, and Guanine
The structural differences
between DNA and RNA
3. Structure
- DNA is a double strand
- RNA is a single strand
This allows RNA to leave
the nucleus
Amino Acid
• A compound with an amino group (-NH2)on
one end and a carboxyl group (-COOH) on the
other end
• A subunit (monomer) from which proteins
(polymers) are assembled
Proteins
• Polymers made up of amino acids that perform a wide
variety of cellular functions
• Linked together by peptide bonds
• Also called polypeptides (a linear chain of amino
acids)
• One of the classes of organic macromolecules that
function as structural and control elements in living
systems
• Needed by the body for:
– Growth and repair
– To make up enzymes (Biological catalysts)
Types of RNA
1. Messenger RNA - mRNA
- carries genetic
information from the
nucleus to the
ribosome for protein
synthesis
Types of RNA
2. Ribosomal RNA - rRNA
- carries genetic
information for
making new
ribosomes
Types of RNA
3. Transfer RNA - tRNA
-Matches with mRNA
during translation
- Connected to amino acids
-Amino acids of neighboring
tRNA form a chain to
make proteins
DNA
Transcription
Description
DNA transcription is the
process of creating messenger
RNA (mRNA).
Location
DNA transcription occurs in
the nucleus because that is
where DNA is located.
How Transcription Works
1. The DNA strand unwinds
2. Complementary RNA
nitrogenous bases match up with
one side of the DNA strand
3. The RNA is released from the
DNA strand.
4. The DNA rewinds.
5. The mRNA leaves the nucleus.
Translation
and Protein
Synthesis
Interpreting the mRNA
• Strands of mRNA are divided into
sections of 3 nitrogenous bases
called codons.
• Codon – 3 bases that code for a
specific amino acid.
Characteristics of tRNA
• tRNA has anticodons that
compliment the mRNA codons
• tRNA is attached to an Amino
acid that will form a protein chain.
Translation and Protein Synthesis
Translation is the process of
translating the genetic code of
mRNA into tRNA.
Protein Synthesis is the process
of amino acids connected to
tRNA bonding to form a protein.
Translation and Protein
Synthesis happen
simultaneously.
Steps in Translation and Protein Synthesis
1. mRNA enters the ribosome
2. Complimentary tRNA attaches
to the start codon on mRNA
3. The mRNA moves through the
ribosome
Steps in Translation and Protein Synthesis
4. The next mRNA codon is
matched with the
complimentary tRNA
5. Amino acids connected to both
tRNA strands connect to each
other to form the protein.
Translation – Protein Synthesis
6. The process continues until a
stop codon is reached,
releasing the protein.
Study Guide Expectations
• Groups of 3 – same groups as Replication Candy Lab!
• Responsibilities – Create a Review packet for the Test!
– 1  Cell Cycle (Mitosis, Meiosis)
– 2  DNA Structure, DNA Replication, History
– 3  RNA Structure, Transcription, Translation
• 1 hr
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Work on own section for 20 min  Rotate
Read/edit/add to section 15 min  Rotate
Read/edit/add to section 15 min
Last 10 minutes  compile and PRINT (4 copies)
• 1 copy for each team member, and one to turn in to the teacher
– If you finish early, quiz each other!