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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation
09:12

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation

Published on: September 16, 2019

How a chemist looks at RNA.

Thomas R Cech1

  • 1University of Colorado BioFrontiers Institute, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA. Thomas.cech@colorado.edu

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|December 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Chemists can investigate Ribonucleic acid (RNA) due to their foundational knowledge in kinetics, thermodynamics, and molecular structure. Their ability to synthesize molecules makes them well-suited for RNA research.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Chemistry

Background:

  • Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a crucial molecule in biology.
  • Traditionally viewed as a simple carrier of genetic information.
  • Emerging research highlights RNA's complex roles beyond basic genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the suitability of chemists for RNA investigation.
  • To emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of modern molecular biology research.
  • To underscore the importance of fundamental scientific principles in exploring novel biological molecules.

Main Methods:

  • Leveraging principles of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics.
  • Utilizing expertise in molecular structure determination.
  • Applying skills in chemical synthesis for molecule creation.

More Related Videos

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells
10:34

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells

Published on: December 9, 2022

Capture and Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Using Click Chemistry-assisted RNA-interactome Capture (CARIC) Strategy
09:36

Capture and Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Using Click Chemistry-assisted RNA-interactome Capture (CARIC) Strategy

Published on: October 19, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation
09:12

DNAzyme-dependent Analysis of rRNA 2’-O-Methylation

Published on: September 16, 2019

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells
10:34

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells

Published on: December 9, 2022

Capture and Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Using Click Chemistry-assisted RNA-interactome Capture (CARIC) Strategy
09:36

Capture and Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Using Click Chemistry-assisted RNA-interactome Capture (CARIC) Strategy

Published on: October 19, 2018

Main Results:

  • Chemists possess a unique skill set for studying RNA.
  • Foundational chemical knowledge is directly applicable to RNA research.
  • The ability to synthesize molecules aids in RNA investigation.

Conclusions:

  • A strong background in chemistry provides an ideal foundation for RNA research.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for advancing our understanding of RNA.
  • The chemist's toolkit is highly valuable for exploring the complexities of RNA.