The DNA sequence contains several different types of information:

1. The DNA sequence can code for an amino acid sequence for proteins

2. The DNA sequence can code for an RNA sequence

tRNA

rRNA

snRNA

telomeraseRNA

other RNAs

3. The DNA sequence can code for protein binding sites
 
 
4. The DNA can code for architectural information

intrinsic DNA curvature

nucleosome positioning

5. The DNA can code for structural / stability information

transcription initiation

origins of replication

mutational "hot spots"

 
 

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The RNA sequence also contains several different types of information:

1. The mRNAs can contain several different levels of information:

specifies amino acid sequence for proteins

localisation signals for WHERE the protein will be made

stability signals to determine HOW MUCH protein is made

splice sites

editing sites

2. The tRNAs code for the genetic code - same in all living organisms (n.b. diff. in mitochondria)
 
 
4. The rRNAs code for the structures of ribosomes

intrinsic DNA curvature

nucleosome positioning

5. Other RNA/protein complexes have important biological functions

RNA template for teleomerase enzyme - necessary to prevent cancer

snRNAs necessary for mRNA splicing

snoRNAs are small nucleolar RNAs.

The PROTEIN sequence contains several different types of information:

1. The protein sequence can code for an "active site" for enzymes

2. The protein sequence can code for structural roles:

microtubules

myosin

collagen

etc.

3. The protein sequence can code for ion channels/pumps
 
 
4. The protein sequence can code for localisation information

within the cell

extra-cytoplasmic

5. The protein sequence can code for modification sites
 
 

 
 

 
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