How many strands of bases does RNA consist of?

RNA consists of a single strand of nucleotides. This single-stranded structure is critical for its function in various biological processes. Unlike DNA, which is typically structured as a double helix composed of two intertwining strands, RNA’s single-stranded nature allows it to fold into unique three-dimensional shapes that are essential for its roles in protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and catalyzing biological reactions (as seen in ribozymes). The single-stranded format enables RNA to serve as a messenger carrying genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding the various functions and mechanisms of RNA in cellular biology.