Nursing Students General Students
Published Jul 9, 2003
HISSYTHECAT
144 Posts
We are studying DNA and RNA. Can somebody please explain this to me in English to where I can understand it? I know that there are two bases that make up amino acids. I understand about the translation from the RNA. What is RNA? What does it do?
Can somebody please help me??????
Hissy )
gwenith, BSN, RN
3,755 Posts
Hissy I have always found New Scientist to be an easy read so try this site it might help you.
http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/dna/
Jennerizer, ASN, RN
728 Posts
RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. These are chain-like structures related to DNA but are a single strand only. They are used to do many things but mainly to produce proteins.
RNA is used to "translate" genetic language to protein language.
RNA takes the information on the DNA strand and creates the proteins necessary for life. This is called gene expression - where the gene "expresses" itself by producing proteins.
There are two main steps in gene expression:
1) Transcription--this step transfers the information on the gene to messenger RNA (mRNA).
2) Translation--this converts the information on the messenger RNA into proteins.
During these processes, the copying process may make a mistake. This change in the code can lead to mutation.
Does that help?
Thanks guys I understand. Thanks Gwenith. I found some really interesting stuff on the website. Jennirizer thanks so much. I understand a little better.