RNA Diversity

Unlike DNA, RNA can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes in nature. They include messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and many types of ribozymes. In addition, RNA is often bound with proteins into a class of molecules called ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Let's explore some of these structures.

Three depictions of R-N-A: a twisted ladder-like, an irregularly shaped cluster of tightly clumped balls, and a more spread-out cluster of smaller balls.