Lesson Objectives: The Role of RNA

Name Class Date
13.1 RNA
Lesson Objectives
Contrast RNA and DNA.
Explain the process of transcription.
Lesson Summary
The Role of RNA RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid like DNA. It consists of a
long chain of nucleotides. The RNA base sequence directs the production of proteins.
Ultimately, cell proteins result in phenotypic traits. The main differences between RNA and
DNA are:
The sugar in RNA is ribose instead of deoxyribose.
RNA is generally single-stranded and not double-stranded like DNA.
RNA contains uracil in place of thymine.
RNA can be thought of as a disposable copy of a segment of DNA. Most RNA molecules are
involved in protein synthesis. The three main types of RNA are:
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries copies of instructions for polypeptide synthesis from
the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) forms an important part of both subunits of the ribosomes, the
cell structures where proteins are assembled.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the
coded mRNA message.
RNA Synthesis Most of the work of making RNA takes place during transcription. In
transcription, segments of DNA serve as templates to produce complementary RNA
molecules. In prokaryotes, RNA synthesis and protein synthesis takes place in the cytoplasm.
In eukaryotes, RNA is produced in the cell’s nucleus and then moves to the cytoplasm to play
a role in the production of protein. The following focuses on transcription in eukaryotic cells.
The enzyme RNA polymerase binds to DNA during transcription and separates the DNA
strands. It then uses one strand of DNA as a template from which to assemble nucleotides
into a complementary strand of RNA.
RNA polymerase binds only to promoters, regions of DNA that have specific base
sequences. Promoters are signals to the DNA molecule that show RNA polymerase
exactly where to begin making RNA. Similar signals cause transcription to stop when a
new RNA molecule is completed.
RNA may be “edited” before it is used. Portions that are cut out and discarded are called
introns. The remaining pieces, known as exons, are then spliced back together to form
the final mRNA.
194
Name Class Date
The Role of RNA

1. Complete the table to contrast the structures of DNA and RNA.
Sugar Number of Strands Bases

DNA deoxyribose 2 A, T, G, and C
RNA ribose usually 1 A, G, and C, but no

T; contains U (uracil)
instead
2. On the lines provided, identify each kind of RNA.
a. transfer RNA b messenger RNA c. ribosomal RNA
3. VISUAL ANALOGY The master plan of a building shows how to build and place
important parts of the building, such as walls, pipes, and electrical outlets. On the
building site, workers use copies of the master plan called blueprints to show them what
to do. The master plan is kept in the office. Explain how mRNA works like a blueprint in
constructing proteins.
he master plan is the DNA molecule. The cell uses this molecule to prepare
mRNA
“blueprints.” The mRNA carries the instructions for protein synthesis from the
nucleus
to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where the proteins are built.
195
Name Class Date
RNA Synthesis
For Questions 4–10, complete each statement by writing the correct word or words.
4. The process of using DNA to produce complementary RNA molecules is called
transcription
.
5. The sequence of bases in mRNA complements the sequence in the DNA
template.
6. In eukaryotes, RNA is formed in the nucleus and then travels to the
cytoplasm.
7. The enzyme RNA polymerase binds to DNA during transcription.
8. RNA polymerase binds to regions of DNA called promoters , which are “start”
signals for transcription.
9. introns are portions of RNA that are cut out and discarded.
10. exons are spliced together to make the final mRNA.
11. THINK VISUALLY Sketch the sequence in which pre-mRNA is “edited” after it is
made on the DNA template and before it is ready to function as mRNA in the
cytoplasm. Show the original DNA, the pre-mRNA, and the final mRNA. Be sure to
label exons and introns.
12. Use the analogy of the master plan and blueprints used by builders to identify what
represents messenger RNA, where the “ribosome” is, and who performs the same
kind of job as transfer RNA.
Explain your reasoning.
Apply the Big idea

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Name Class Date

The Role of RNA

Sugar Number of Strands Bases

RNA ribose usually 1 A, G, and C, but no

2. On the lines provided, identify each kind of RNA.

a. transfer RNA b messenger RNA c. ribosomal RNA

Explain your reasoning.

Apply the Big idea

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