RNA

The full formation of RNA is ribonucleic acid. RNA is the genetic material of some viruses i.e. it is responsible for the transmission of hereditary information from one generation to other in viruses. RNA is present in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes as nucleus is absent in prokaryotes. In eukaryotes RNA is found in the nucleolus of nucleus. A molecule of RNA consists of a single polynucleotide chain. It also consists of 4 nitrogenous bases namely

1.  Adenine
2.  Cytosine
3.  Guanine and
4.  Uracil

Retrovirus

A virus which has RNA as the genetic material is called ‘retrovirus’. For example the AIDS virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) are retrovirus.

Types of RNA

RNA is of three types:

1. mRNA – (messenger RNA)
2. tRNA – (transfer RNA)
3. rRNA – (ribosomal RNA)

Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:

1. Write the full form of RNA.
2. Define retrovirus. Give examples.
3. Name the various types of RNA.