Final answer:
RNA can form a secondary structure through intramolecular hydrogen bonds which may include a hairpin structure. This secondary structure is essential for RNA's function and for storing genetic information. Mfold is an algorithm used to predict RNA structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The RNA molecule, although single-stranded, can form a secondary structure when it folds back upon itself. This folding is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotides, which can form various shapes including the hairpin structure. This secondary structure is crucial for the function of RNA as it provides a three-dimensional shape essential for interactions with other molecules and for the RNA's catalytic properties, as well as for its role in storing genetic information.
Among different RNA secondary structures, the one with the lowest free energy is the most stable and therefore the most likely to occur. Algorithms like Mfold, which stands for multiple folds, are often used to predict the potential secondary structures of RNA molecules. Furthermore, RNA's ability to form complex secondary structures is a key feature that distinguishes it from DNA, which is typically double-stranded.