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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between rRNA and mRNA?

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The main difference between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) lies in their structure and function within the cell:

mRNA:

  • Messenger RNA is a linear molecule that carries genetic information copied from DNA.
  • Its primary role is to provide a template for gene coding during protein synthesis.
  • mRNA is transcribed from DNA and plays a crucial role in the process of transcription and translation.

rRNA:

  • Ribosomal RNA forms the core of a cell's ribosomes, which are the structures in which protein synthesis takes place.
  • rRNA molecules direct the catalytic steps of protein synthesis, helping to stitch together amino acids.
  • rRNA is sometimes referred to as a ribozyme or catalytic RNA to reflect its function.

In summary, mRNA carries the coding sequences for protein synthesis, while rRNA is a structural and functional component of ribosomes, which are responsible for carrying out protein synthesis.

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  • What is the Difference Between rRNA and mRNA?
  • Comparative Table: rRNA vs mRNA

    • Comparative Table: rRNA vs mRNA

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA):

    Feature rRNA mRNA
    Structure Spherical and complex Linear
    Function Forms ribosomes along with proteins Provides a template for gene coding during protein synthesis
    Location Found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Primarily produced in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells
    Length Varies depending on the species Usually 300 to 12,000 nucleotides long in mammals
    Transcription Process Not directly involved in transcription Formed by transcription from DNA, catalyzed by RNA polymerase
    Modification No modification required for stability Modified at 5' and 3' ends for stability and to prevent hydrolysis by exonucleases (capped by 7-methylguanosine and polyadenylation at 3' end)

    rRNA and mRNA play crucial roles in protein synthesis, but they have distinct structures and functions. rRNA forms ribosomes along with proteins, while mRNA provides a template for gene coding during protein synthesis.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.