Which RNA is linear?

Which RNA is linear?

• A. tRNA
• B. rRNA
• C. snRNA
• D. mRNA

Answer: (D)

RNA molecules can fold back on themselves to form secondary structures through base pairing, and many play roles that rely on these compact shapes. Transfer RNA, for instance, folds into a cloverleaf with stems and loops, creating a compact, highly structured molecule. Ribosomal RNA and small nuclear RNA also adopt intricate shapes as part of their functional complexes. Messenger RNA is different: it is a long, single-stranded copy that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, and it is typically linear in its basic form, not designed to form a rigid, highly base-paired structure. That makes it the linear type among these options.

RNA molecules can fold back on themselves to form secondary structures through base pairing, and many play roles that rely on these compact shapes. Transfer RNA, for instance, folds into a cloverleaf with stems and loops, creating a compact, highly structured molecule. Ribosomal RNA and small nuclear RNA also adopt intricate shapes as part of their functional complexes. Messenger RNA is different: it is a long, single-stranded copy that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, and it is typically linear in its basic form, not designed to form a rigid, highly base-paired structure. That makes it the linear type among these options.