Types of RNA and Functions – Comprehensive Molecular Biology Study Guide & Review
Material
Messenger RNA (mRNA) - ✔✔Carries information specifying amino acid sequences of proteins
from DNA to ribosomes
Transfer RNA (tRNA) - ✔✔Serves as adapter molecule in protein synthesis; translates mRNA
codons into amino acids.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) - ✔✔Plays catalytic (ribozyme) roles and structural roles in ribosomes
Primary transcript - ✔✔Is a precursor to mRNA, rRNA, or tRNA, before being processed. Some
intron RNA acts as a ribozyme, catalyzing its own splicing.
Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) - ✔✔Plays structural and catalytic roles in spliceosomes, the
complexes of protein and RNA that splice pre-mRNA.
Material
Messenger RNA (mRNA) - ✔✔Carries information specifying amino acid sequences of proteins
from DNA to ribosomes
Transfer RNA (tRNA) - ✔✔Serves as adapter molecule in protein synthesis; translates mRNA
codons into amino acids.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) - ✔✔Plays catalytic (ribozyme) roles and structural roles in ribosomes
Primary transcript - ✔✔Is a precursor to mRNA, rRNA, or tRNA, before being processed. Some
intron RNA acts as a ribozyme, catalyzing its own splicing.
Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) - ✔✔Plays structural and catalytic roles in spliceosomes, the
complexes of protein and RNA that splice pre-mRNA.
