RNA functions to transfer genetic instructions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where the information is decoded
There are three main types of RNA which cooperate to complete this goal:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) – a transcript copy of a gene which encodes a specific polypeptide
- Transfer RNA (tRNA) – carries the polypeptide subunits (amino acids) to the organelle responsible for synthesis (ribosome)
- Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) – a primary component of the ribosome and is responsible for its catalytic activity
Additionally, cells may produce other variants of non-coding RNA to support and regulate the expression of genes:
- Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) – a component of the spliceosome (involved in splicing of introns)
- Short interfering RNA (siRNA) – moderates gene expression levels via RNA interference (RNAi)
Three Main Types of RNA
