Messenger RNA vs. Transfer RNA: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 30, 2023
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis, while transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to ribosomes to build proteins.
Key Differences
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis takes place. Transfer RNA (tRNA), on the other hand, is involved in the process of translation, where it helps in the assembly of amino acids to form proteins.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized during the process of transcription, where it serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is essential for the translation of mRNA into protein, as it brings the necessary amino acids to the ribosome to be added to the growing protein chain.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has a linear structure and carries the genetic information in the form of codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that specify a particular amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) has a cloverleaf structure with an amino acid attachment site at one end and an anticodon at the other end, which pairs with the mRNA codon to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the protein.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in gene expression, as it is responsible for carrying the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome for translation into protein. Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a key role in the translation of mRNA into protein, as it brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome in accordance with the codons on the mRNA.
Comparison Chart
Function
Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosome
Brings amino acids to ribosome for protein synthesis
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Structure
Linear with codons
Cloverleaf with amino acid attachment site and anticodon
Role in Protein Synthesis
Serves as template for protein synthesis
Helps assemble amino acids into protein
Location
Transcribed in nucleus, functions in cytoplasm
Functions in cytoplasm
Process
Synthesized during transcription
Involved in translation of mRNA into protein
Messenger RNA and Transfer RNA Definitions
Messenger RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has a linear structure with codons.
Each codon on mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid in a protein.
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Transfer RNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) has a cloverleaf structure with an amino acid attachment site and an anticodon.
The anticodon on tRNA pairs with the codon on mRNA to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the protein.
Messenger RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in gene expression.
The information carried by mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
Transfer RNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a key role in gene expression.
The correct assembly of amino acids into a protein depends on the action of tRNA.
Messenger RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.
MRNA is transcribed from a gene and then translated into protein by ribosomes.
Transfer RNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) helps assemble amino acids into a protein chain.
TRNA brings the necessary amino acids to the ribosome in accordance with the codons on mRNA.
Messenger RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized during transcription.
During transcription, mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template.
Transfer RNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
TRNA is essential for the translation of mRNA into protein.
Messenger RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins.
MRNA contains codons that specify the order of amino acids in a protein.
Transfer RNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) is involved in the process of translation.
During translation, tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome for addition to the growing protein chain.
FAQs
How is mRNA involved in protein synthesis?
mRNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins by ribosomes.
What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?
mRNA is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
How is tRNA involved in protein synthesis?
tRNA brings the necessary amino acids to the ribosome to be added to the growing protein chain.
What is the role of codons in mRNA?
Codons on mRNA specify the order of amino acids in a protein.
How is mRNA synthesized?
mRNA is synthesized during transcription from a DNA template.
How does the structure of mRNA facilitate protein synthesis?
The linear structure of mRNA with codons specifies the order of amino acids in a protein.
What is the structure of tRNA?
tRNA has a cloverleaf structure with an amino acid attachment site and an anticodon.
How does tRNA contribute to the translation of mRNA?
tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome in accordance with the codons on mRNA.
How does tRNA play a role in gene expression?
tRNA brings the necessary amino acids to the ribosome to assemble the protein in accordance with the genetic information on mRNA.
What is the significance of protein synthesis in living organisms?
Protein synthesis is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms.
What is the role of anticodons in tRNA?
Anticodons on tRNA pair with codons on mRNA to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the protein.
What is gene expression?
Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is used to synthesize proteins.
What is transcription?
Transcription is the process by which mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template.
What is the relationship between DNA, mRNA, and tRNA in protein synthesis?
DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which carries the genetic information to the ribosome where tRNA brings the necessary amino acids for protein synthesis.
How does the cell ensure the correct amino acid is added to a protein during synthesis?
The anticodon on tRNA pairs with the codon on mRNA to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the protein.
What is transfer RNA (tRNA)?
tRNA is a type of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes to build proteins.
How does mRNA play a role in gene expression?
mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for translation into protein.
How does the structure of tRNA facilitate protein synthesis?
The cloverleaf structure of tRNA with an amino acid attachment site and anticodon ensures the correct amino acid is added to the protein.
What is the structure of mRNA?
mRNA has a linear structure with codons that specify the order of amino acids in a protein.
What is translation?
Translation is the process by which mRNA is translated into protein by ribosomes.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
