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RNA Structure

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 Structure

RNA Structure

RNA Structure

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...

Nucleic Acid Structure

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

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

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

Published on: December 9, 2022

Coarse-grained modeling of RNA 3D structure.

Wayne K Dawson¹, Maciej Maciejczyk², Elzbieta J Jankowska¹

¹Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland.

Methods (San Diego, Calif.)

|April 30, 2016

Summary

Coarse-grained modeling simplifies complex RNA 3D structures and dynamics for computational analysis. This review explores high- and low-resolution strategies, comparing physics-based and knowledge-based methods for RNA folding and interactions.

Keywords:

Bioinformatics Modeling Molecular dynamics Monte Carlo dynamics RNA Simulation Structure

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Last Updated: Mar 22, 2026

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Published on: May 31, 2013

Area of Science:

Computational biology
Structural biology
Biophysics

Background:

Functional RNA molecules rely on intricate three-dimensional (3D) structures for cellular tasks.
Understanding RNA 3D structure, dynamics, and thermodynamics is crucial for elucidating biological roles and interactions.
Experimental determination of these properties is challenging, necessitating advanced computational approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce coarse-grained modeling strategies for RNA 3D structures and dynamics.
To provide an overview of high- and low-resolution modeling approaches.
To compare physics-based and knowledge-based computational methods.

Main Methods:

Coarse-grained modeling to reduce data points and computational demand.
High- and low-resolution modeling strategies for RNA.
Comparison of physics-based versus knowledge-based approaches.

Main Results:

Coarse-grained modeling offers a tractable approach for studying RNA dynamics beyond nanosecond timescales.
Both high- and low-resolution coarse-grained methods can be applied to RNA structure and dynamics.
Physics-based and knowledge-based methods present distinct advantages and limitations.

Conclusions:

Coarse-grained modeling is a valuable tool for researchers facing computational challenges in RNA dynamics.
The choice of modeling strategy depends on the specific biological questions and desired resolution.
Understanding the principles, goals, and potential pitfalls of different coarse-grained models is essential for accurate RNA research.