What bases are found in RNA?

Prepare for the Mississippi State Biology 1 Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to help you get ready for your exam!

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that plays essential roles in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. It is crucial to understand the composition of RNA to grasp its function in cellular biology.

The correct choice indicates that RNA contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. In RNA, the base uracil replaces thymine, which is found in DNA. Adenine pairs with uracil, while cytosine pairs with guanine. This distinction between uracil and thymine is fundamental, as it affects how RNA interacts with various cellular processes, including protein synthesis.

The other bases mentioned in the other choices do not accurately reflect the composition of RNA. Specifically, thymine is exclusive to DNA and does not appear in RNA. Therefore, recognizing that uracil's presence is what differentiates RNA from DNA is key when studying nucleic acid structures and their respective functions.

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