Gene expressionType of RNA

There are three types of RNA involved in gene expression.

mRNA - Messenger RNA:

• linear molecule
• carries a copy of the gene to be expressed from the nucleus
• every group of three bases (a 'triplet') is described as a codon (because each one codes for an amino acid)

tRNA - Transfer RNA:

• cloverleaf-shaped molecule
• is made from a single strand of RNA which folds due to base pairing to form this unusual shape
• has a triplet anti-codon site and an attachment site for a specific amino acid

rRNA - Ribosomal RNA:

• rRNA and proteins form the ribosome
• the ribosome is the structure where protein synthesis takes place