Abbreviation: RNA.
A nucleic acid that controls protein synthesis in all living cells and is the sole nucleic acid in certain viruses. It differs from DNA in that its sugar is ribose rather than deoxyribose, and its pyrimidine base is uracil rather than thymine. RNA occurs in several forms that are determined by the number of nucleotides.

Figure: RIBONUCLEIC ACID
Roles in protein synthesis



See: deoxyribonucleic acid
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the code for specific amino acid sequences from the DNA to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries the amino acid groups to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) exists within the ribosomes and assists in protein synthesis.

Main entry:
acid