The Function of DNA & RNA (AQA A Level Biology)

The Function of DNA & RNA

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are both types of nucleic acid

• DNA and RNA are both found in all living cells

• DNA and RNA are both needed to build proteins, which are essential for the proper functioning of cells

• DNA and RNA are both important information-carrying molecules, although their functions are slightly different

DNA

• The function of DNA is to hold or store genetic information

• DNA is the molecule that contains the instructions for the growth and development of all organisms

RNA

• The function of RNA is to transfer the genetic code found in DNA out of the nucleus and carry it to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm

  • Ribosomes are where proteins are produced - they ‘read’ the RNA to make polypeptides (proteins) in a process known as translation