RNA is copied from DNA in the cell. It contains the same information but unlike DNA which is double stranded, RNA consists of only 1 strand which is easily destroyed. Some RNA (called messenger RNA or mRNA) carries information from the cell’s nucleus to tiny machines outside the nucleus. These machines, called ribosomes, read information from mRNA pertaining to the required order of amino acids and thus piece together a specific protein.

As the mRNA chugs through the ribosome reading frame, other small RNAs (called transfer RNAs or tRNA) come along. Each tRNA has a triplet code at one end which matches one of the 20 amino acids used to make proteins. The tRNA triplet code that matches the section of mRNA in the reading frame of the ribosome, then connects briefly to the mRNA at that point. The other end of the tRNA carries the correct amino acid called for in the triplet code. That amino acid then joins the lengthening chain of amino acids which will make up the protein. Once the amino acid is attached, the mRNA moves forward and the tRNA leaves the scene. A new tRNA comes to connect with a new section of mRNA with a triplet code for a new amino acid and the process begins again. The process of reading the information and forming the required protein continues until there is a stop codon in the mRNA. (Note: if the tRNA carries the wrong amino acid compared to what the mRNA is calling for, then no protein will be formed. It is important to realize that there is no natural process which initially could have informed the tRNA with a particular triplet of code which amino acid it should carry.)

In summary, the RNA carries the same information as the nucleus. It is a bridging technique to enable the DNA itself to stay protected inside the nucleus. DNA contains information. A random sequence of nucleotides in the DNA would be meaningless and could never give rise to precise proteins which can be assembled into functioning molecular machines. It takes brain power to create information! Since we know that information comes only from a mind, it is clear that neither the information content of the DNA nor RNA came about by chance but from an awesome God. The system which allows the tRNA to carry the correct amino acid called for by the triplet code in the mRNA, is particularly amazing.

Related Resources

• About that RNA World Hypothesis