How is it possible for single-stranded RNA to fold into complex shapes?
A) Phosphodiester linkages form between the phosphate and the sugar ribose.
B) Internal base pairings make this possible: adenine with uracil and cytosine with guanine.
C) Uracil's methyl group binds to adenine, spiraling the molecule.
D) The single strand "twists" around itself.
E) The RNA binds to proteins, creating a conformation (three-dimensional shape).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Internal base pairings between complementary bases (adenine with uracil and cytosine with guanine) allow single-stranded RNA to fold into complex shapes through the formation of secondary and tertiary structures. This allows for the creation of functional RNA molecules such as ribozymes and transfer RNA.

How Is It Possible for Single-Stranded RNA to Fold into Complex