What are the differences between mRNA and tRNA?

Question

Accepted Answer

mRNA and tRNA are two different types of RNAs (ribonucleic acids). There are several differences between mRNA and tRNA, from their structure to the functions they perform.

Basis of differentiation

mRNA

tRNA

Definition

Is a type of RNA that acts as a messenger between genes and proteins

Is a type of RNA that transfers specific amino acids into the ribosome for coding during protein synthesis

Full name

Messenger RNA

Transfer RNA

Structure

Single-stranded, unfolded linear molecule

3 dimensional complex structure composed of multiple hairpin loops , an acceptor arm, and a small variable loop

Occurrence

Synthesized in the nucleus and functions in the nucleus and cytoplasm

Occurs and functions in the cytoplasm

Size

Varies depending on the coding sequence of the gene

About 76 to 90 nucleotides in length

Quantity in a cell

A cell generally has a smaller amount of mRNA as compared to tRNA

A cell has a larger amount of tRNA than mRNA

Presence of codon/anticodon

Carries a codon sequence that is complementary to the codon sequence of the gene – does not have an anticodon

Carries an anticodon that is complementary to the codon on the mRNA

Presence of sequence terminating nucleotides

Absent

Has CCA trinucleotides at one end of the molecule

Function

Serves as the messenger between genes and proteins, carrying genetic information contained in DNA to be used as a template for synthesizing protein

Carries specific amino acid into the ribosome for protein synthesis

Interaction with amino acids

Does not attach to amino acids during protein synthesis

Carries a specific amino acid by attaching to its acceptor arm

Fate after completing its function

Is destroyed after transcription

Is reactivated by attaching to a second amino acid specific to it after releasing its first amino acid during translation

Basis of differentiation	mRNA	tRNA
Definition	Is a type of RNA that acts as a messenger between genes and proteins	Is a type of RNA that transfers specific amino acids into the ribosome for coding during protein synthesis
Full name	Messenger RNA	Transfer RNA
Structure	Single-stranded, unfolded linear molecule	3 dimensional complex structure composed of multiple hairpin loops , an acceptor arm, and a small variable loop
Occurrence	Synthesized in the nucleus and functions in the nucleus and cytoplasm	Occurs and functions in the cytoplasm
Size	Varies depending on the coding sequence of the gene	About 76 to 90 nucleotides in length
Quantity in a cell	A cell generally has a smaller amount of mRNA as compared to tRNA	A cell has a larger amount of tRNA than mRNA
Presence of codon/anticodon	Carries a codon sequence that is complementary to the codon sequence of the gene – does not have an anticodon	Carries an anticodon that is complementary to the codon on the mRNA
Presence of sequence terminating nucleotides	Absent	Has CCA trinucleotides at one end of the molecule
Function	Serves as the messenger between genes and proteins, carrying genetic information contained in DNA to be used as a template for synthesizing protein	Carries specific amino acid into the ribosome for protein synthesis
Interaction with amino acids	Does not attach to amino acids during protein synthesis	Carries a specific amino acid by attaching to its acceptor arm
Fate after completing its function	Is destroyed after transcription	Is reactivated by attaching to a second amino acid specific to it after releasing its first amino acid during translation

Basis of differentiation

mRNA

tRNA

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