𧡠Learning Basics: DNA and RNA π§¬
What are the applications of mRNA?
π Save for UPSC CSE x.com
What are the applications of mRNA?
π Save for UPSC CSE x.com
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
Structure: Double-stranded helix composed of nucleotides.
Each nucleotide contains a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases:
β’ Adenine (A)
β’ Guanine (G)
β’ Cytosine (C)
β’ Thymine (T)
Base Pairing: A pairs with T (two hydrogen bonds), and G pairs with C (three hydrogen bonds).
Function: Stores genetic information, directs protein synthesis, and determines heritable traits.
Replication:
β’ DNA replicates semi-conservatively, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
β’ Key enzymes involved include DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, and ligase.
Structure: Double-stranded helix composed of nucleotides.
Each nucleotide contains a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases:
β’ Adenine (A)
β’ Guanine (G)
β’ Cytosine (C)
β’ Thymine (T)
Base Pairing: A pairs with T (two hydrogen bonds), and G pairs with C (three hydrogen bonds).
Function: Stores genetic information, directs protein synthesis, and determines heritable traits.
Replication:
β’ DNA replicates semi-conservatively, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
β’ Key enzymes involved include DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, and ligase.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
Structure: Typically single-stranded, composed of nucleotides containing a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases:
β’ Adenine (A)
β’ Guanine (G)
β’ Cytosine (C)
β’ Uracil (U)
(Uracil replaces Thymine found in DNA)
Types:
1οΈβ£ mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. Formed through transcription.
2οΈβ£ tRNA (transfer RNA): Carries specific amino acids to ribosomes during translation. Has an anticodon that recognizes mRNA codons.
3οΈβ£ rRNA (ribosomal RNA): A structural component of ribosomes, the site of protein synthesis.
Structure: Typically single-stranded, composed of nucleotides containing a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases:
β’ Adenine (A)
β’ Guanine (G)
β’ Cytosine (C)
β’ Uracil (U)
(Uracil replaces Thymine found in DNA)
Types:
1οΈβ£ mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. Formed through transcription.
2οΈβ£ tRNA (transfer RNA): Carries specific amino acids to ribosomes during translation. Has an anticodon that recognizes mRNA codons.
3οΈβ£ rRNA (ribosomal RNA): A structural component of ribosomes, the site of protein synthesis.
NOTE - The prominence of mRNA in the news is primarily due to its pivotal role in the rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines.
This novel technology offered several advantages:
β’ Speed of Development: mRNA vaccines could be produced much faster than traditional vaccines.
β’ High Efficacy: mRNA vaccines demonstrated remarkably high efficacy rates against COVID-19.
β’ Safety: mRNA vaccines proved to be generally safe for use.
β’ Potential for Broad Applications: mRNA technology holds immense promise for treating various diseases beyond COVID-19.
β’ Technological Advancement: The successful application of mRNA technology represents a significant leap forward in vaccinology.
This novel technology offered several advantages:
β’ Speed of Development: mRNA vaccines could be produced much faster than traditional vaccines.
β’ High Efficacy: mRNA vaccines demonstrated remarkably high efficacy rates against COVID-19.
β’ Safety: mRNA vaccines proved to be generally safe for use.
β’ Potential for Broad Applications: mRNA technology holds immense promise for treating various diseases beyond COVID-19.
β’ Technological Advancement: The successful application of mRNA technology represents a significant leap forward in vaccinology.
Genetic Code
β’ Codons: Three-nucleotide sequences on mRNA that specify a particular amino acid or a stop signal.
β’ Universality: The genetic code is largely universal, meaning the same codons code for the same amino acids in most organisms.
β’ Degeneracy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid (e.g., both UUU and UUC code for phenylalanine).
β’ Start Codon: AUG (methionine) initiates translation.
β’ Stop Codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA terminate translation.
β’ Codons: Three-nucleotide sequences on mRNA that specify a particular amino acid or a stop signal.
β’ Universality: The genetic code is largely universal, meaning the same codons code for the same amino acids in most organisms.
β’ Degeneracy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid (e.g., both UUU and UUC code for phenylalanine).
β’ Start Codon: AUG (methionine) initiates translation.
β’ Stop Codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA terminate translation.
TRANSCRIPTION & TRANSLATION
1οΈβ£ TRANSCRIPTION: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
β’ RNA Polymerase: The enzyme responsible for transcription.
β’ Promoter: A specific DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.
β’ Steps: Initiation, elongation, and termination.
2οΈβ£ TRANSLATION: The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.
β’β’Ribosomes: The site of protein synthesis.
β’ tRNA: Brings amino acids to the ribosome based on the mRNA codon.
β’ Steps: Initiation, elongation, and termination.
1οΈβ£ TRANSCRIPTION: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
β’ RNA Polymerase: The enzyme responsible for transcription.
β’ Promoter: A specific DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.
β’ Steps: Initiation, elongation, and termination.
2οΈβ£ TRANSLATION: The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.
β’β’Ribosomes: The site of protein synthesis.
β’ tRNA: Brings amino acids to the ribosome based on the mRNA codon.
β’ Steps: Initiation, elongation, and termination.
GENE REGULATION
β’ The control of gene expression, determining when and how much of a gene product is produced.
β’ Operons (in prokaryotes): Clusters of genes under the control of a single promoter.
Example: lac operon in E. coli. x.com
β’ The control of gene expression, determining when and how much of a gene product is produced.
β’ Operons (in prokaryotes): Clusters of genes under the control of a single promoter.
Example: lac operon in E. coli. x.com
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