Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is similar in many ways to DNA. It is a polymer of nucleotides that carries the information present in genes. In addition to some chemical differences between RNA and DNA, there are important functional differences.
-
RNA is copied from DNA in the nucleus and much of it is shipped out to the cytosol.
-
RNA is the working form of the information stored in DNA.
-
RNA is single stranded, not double-stranded
The information that resides in DNA works for cells much as an architect uses a blueprint. The specific production of RNA enables the cell to use only the pages of the "blueprint" that are required at any particular time. It is very important that the correct RNAs be produced at the correct time. In cancer, the production or regulation of particular RNAs does not occur properly. Just as an incorrect reading of a blueprint will cause a building to develop flaws, improper production of RNA causes changes in cell behavior that may lead to cancer. This important topic will be covered in depth in the section on Gene Function. First we will examine more complex forms of biomolecules, and then we will introduce some of the key functional components of eukaryotic cells.
Print
Email Page
