Question

How are the three types of RNA different?

Answer 1

RNA molecules in an expanded form termed as the ribonucleic acid are structurally quite the same as that of DNA. The difference is that DNA molecules are specifically long and also in its structure are double stranded whereas RNA molecules are shorter as well as single stranded. Though RNA molecules help to perform many roles in cells, the major role is regulation and synthesis of protein (translation).

Complete answer:
The three types of RNA molecules that are involved in synthesis of protein are named as messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The function of each type of RNA molecules are been discussing here

Messenger RNA (mRNA): mRNA also termed as the coding RNA, helps to carry the message (genetic code) from DNA in a format or order that can easily be perceived to produce proteins. This coding sequence of mRNA molecules detect the sequence of amino acids of protein produced. After getting transcribed from DNA, mRNA forms a connection with ribosomes as well as other cellular machinery to promote protein (it encodes) synthesis during the process of translation.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): rRNA is the important catalytic portion of the ribosomes. rRNA allows proper locating of mRNA, TRNA, as well as ribosomes. rRNA also shows an enzymatic activity (i.e. peptidyl transferase) where it catalyses the peptide bonds development during protein synthesis between the two aligned amino acids.

Transfer RNA (TRNA): tRNA is a small RNA molecule that possesses around 80 nucleotides. It is required to carry the correct amino acid sequence to the protein synthesis site in the ribosome. It is observed to be the base pairing between the mRNA and tRNA that inserts the correct amino acid in the synthesized polypeptide chain.

Note: Any mutations that are observed in the rRNA or tRNA can leads to global problems for cells since both RNA molecules are crucial for protein synthesis. Numerous clinically important viruses constitute RNA, instead of DNA, which holds the viral genetic information.