AQA AS Biology

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1.5.1 The Function of DNA & RNA

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The Function of DNA & RNA

  • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are both types of nucleic acid
  • DNA and RNA are both found in all living cells
  • DNA and RNA are both needed to build proteins, which are essential for the proper functioning of cells
  • DNA and RNA are both important information-carrying molecules, although their functions are slightly different

DNA

  • The function of DNA is to hold or store genetic information
  • DNA is the molecule that contains the instructions for the growth and development of all organisms

RNA

  • The function of RNA is to transfer the genetic code found in DNA out of the nucleus and carry it to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm
    • Ribosomes are where proteins are produced - they ‘read’ the RNA to make polypeptides (proteins) in a process known as translation

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Lára

Author: Lára

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.