RNA

Ribonucleic acids are essentially a class of nucleic acids that act as a carrier for genetic information as well as catalyzing important biochemical reactions. RNAs contain sugar ribose and the organic base uracil. Most of the RNA molecules, which include m-rna (messenger RNA) and t-rna (transfer RNA), assume the role of cellular intermediaries. This means, they are able to convert stored genetic information in DNA into proteins thus providing cells with structure and enabling them to perform metabolism. In some lower organisms like viruses it is the RNA that serves as the hereditary material.