RNA is a chemical similar to a single strand of DNA.
In RNA, the letter U, which stands for
uracil, is substituted for T in
the genetic code. RNA delivers
DNA's genetic message to the
cytoplasm of a cell where
proteins are made.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a template for protein synthesis.
Each set of three bases, called codons, specifies a
certain protein in the sequence
of amino acids that comprise the
protein. The sequence of a strand
of mRNA is based on the sequence
of a complementary strand of DNA.
Source: definitions from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Glossary of Genetic Terms.
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