Amoeba Sisters Video Recap: DNA vs RNA & Protein Synthesis UPDATED Whose Show Is This? DNA shouldn’t get all the credit! In this portion, check out the Amoeba Sisters DNA vs RNA video. Then, write “D is for DNA, R is for RNA, or “BOTH” if it pertains to both DNA and RNA. BOTH are nucleic acids. RNA is usually single-stranded and is generally found both inside and outside of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. DNA is arranged as a double helix, and its shape is often described as twisted ladder. BOTH include the bases guanine, cytosine, and adenine. Each of their nucleotides includes phosphate, sugar, and base. RNA includes the base uracil, while DNA includes the base thymine. RNA generally remains in the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. DNA has the sugar deoxyribose and is made up of nucleotides. For the following discussed RNA types, complete the missing information in the boxes below. Some hints have been provided for you. Type: mRNA Stands for: Messenger RNA Sketch to Help You Remember Type: rRNA Stands for: Ribosomal RNA Sketch to Help You Remember Type: tRNA Stands for: Transfer RNA Sketch to Help You Remember
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
DNA vs RNA – Amoeba Sisters Video Recap
BOTH – are nucleic acids.
RNA – is usually single-stranded and is generally found both inside and outside of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.
DNA – is arranged as a double helix, and its shape is often described as a twisted ladder.
BOTH – include the bases guanine, cytosine, and adenine.
BOTH – each of their nucleotides includes phosphate, sugar, and base.
RNA – includes the base uracil.
DNA – includes the base thymine.
RNA – generally remains in the cytoplasm (not nucleus – this is a correction).
DNA – has the sugar deoxyribose and is made up of nucleotides.
RNA Types:
Type: mRNA
Stands for: Messenger RNA
Sketch to Help You Remember: A strand with a message traveling from the nucleus to a ribosome, like a letter or scroll.
Type: rRNA
Stands for: Ribosomal RNA
Sketch to Help You Remember: A blob-like ribosome with rRNA in it, helping align mRNA and tRNA like a factory.
Type: tRNA
Stands for: Transfer RNA
Sketch to Help You Remember: A cloverleaf or “T”-shaped structure carrying amino acids, like a delivery truck.
Explanation:
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are essential nucleic acids in all living organisms. Though both contain genetic information, they serve different roles and have distinct structures.
DNA is the master blueprint found primarily in the nucleus. It’s double-stranded and forms a double helix shape, often described as a twisted ladder. DNA contains the bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Each DNA nucleotide has a deoxyribose sugar. It stores long-term genetic instructions used for an organism’s growth, development, and reproduction.
RNA, on the other hand, is usually single-stranded and can be found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Instead of thymine, RNA uses uracil (U). Its sugar is ribose. RNA helps turn DNA’s genetic information into proteins. There are several types of RNA, each with a specific job in protein synthesis.
mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic message from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are made. rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is a structural part of ribosomes and plays a key role in reading the mRNA and forming peptide bonds between amino acids. tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation and matches them to the coded mRNA message using its anticodon.
Together, these RNAs work to carry out the instructions encoded in DNA, turning genetic information into functional proteins, a process known as protein synthesis. While DNA provides the instructions, RNA carries them out, showing that it deserves just as much credit in gene expression.
