interesting facts about RNA. time for new knowledge

RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid and is found in the DNA of cell chromosomes. RNA makes up the proteins of the body. They also act as messengers carrying codes from DNA to the sites of protein synthesis and hence contain genetic information.RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid and is found in the DNA of cell chromosomes. RNA makes up the proteins of the body. They also act as messengers carrying codes from DNA to the sites of protein synthesis and hence contain genetic information. Here are some important facts about RNA.

RNA is capable of folding and forming a complex structure that serves as a catalyst for chemical reactions or molecule binding in the body.

Decoding of DNA is not possible directly. Hence the RNA transcribes into mRNA following which each of the molecules encode information for a single protein. Each of these protein sequences contains 3 nitrogen bases and the incorporation of a particular amino acid within the protein is carried out by the mRNA.

Proteins contribute to the genetic characteristics of human body such as characteristics of hair, eye colour, skin colour height etc. therefore ultimate controllers of cellular functions.

It is the RNA polymerase that helps in the initiation of the transcription process.

There are 3 major kinds of polymerases that can be extracted from the nuclei of cells found in human bodies and other eukaryotes.

Extraction of single RNA polymerase is possible from one or two chloroplasts and mitochondria.

There are different kinds of RNA found in genes, some of which include transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) etc.

Important functions such as coding and decoding, transcription, regulation and expression of genes, protein binding etc. are carried out by RNA.

An average human cell comprises of only 1% DNA while 5% of the total weight of the cell constitutes RNA.

The cells of some organisms do not contain DNA. In such cases, the genetic material is primarily composed of RNA. For example, many kinds of viruses only contain RNA.

In agriculture, RNA technology has been used to suppress the tendency of fruits to ripen thereby helping it remain in the stems and vines for a longer period.

tRNA is shaped like a hairpin and has the function of carrying amino acids to the site of transcription helping them organise themselves in polypeptide chains.

Unlike DNA, RNA is unable to store genetic information for a long time and primarily carries out the function of transcription.

In some cases, RNA can also function as enzymes in which case it is referred to as ribosomes and they act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

Cellular processes such as cell division, ageing and death of cells are all carried out under the regulation of Ribonucleic acid.

Any defects in RNA can be the cause for severe human diseases such as cancer, stroke, and other heart diseases.

RNA is vulnerable to damage by hydrolysis hence DNA stores genetic information as it is less susceptible to damage.

Research in the field of genetics has gone a long way and still holds immense potential for the future. Through the study of genes and RNA functions, a lot can be achieved in medical science. Many gene therapies have helped eliminate carcinogenic genes that cause cancer, with the help of RNA