RNA: Ribonucleic acid

• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was the first genetic material.
• RNA behaved as a catalyst as well as genetic material.
• RNA can synthesis DNA (reverse transcription) and it is estimated that DNA has evolved from RNA with chemical modification.
• The backbone of RNA is made up of pentose ribose sugar and phosphate.
• The 2’—OH group of ribose makes RNA labile and easily degradable.
• RNA has two types of nitrogenous bases:

(i) Purines—Adenine and Guanine

(ii) Pyrimidnies—Cytosine and Uracil

• Ribose sugar + Nitrogenous base ⟶ Ribonucleoside
• Ribonucleoside + Phosphate group ⟶ Ribonucleotide