DNA and RNA differ in that
DNA is double stranded, contains the sugar ribose and the nitrogen containing base thymine while RNA is single stranded, contains sugar deoxyribose and the nitrogen containing base uracil
ODNA is double stranded, contains the sugar deoxyribose and the nitrogen containing base thymine while RNA is single stranded, contains sugar ribose and the nitrogen containing base uracil
DNA is single stranded, contains the sugar desseyribose and the nitrogen containing base thymine while RNA is double stranded, contains sugar ribose and the nitrogen containing base uracil
DNA is single stranded, contains the sugar ribose and the nitrogen containing base thymine while RNA is single stranded, contains sogar deoxyribose and the nitrogen containing base uracil
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
DNA is double stranded, contains the sugar deoxyribose and the nitrogen containing base thymine while RNA is single stranded, contains sugar ribose and the nitrogen containing base uracil.
Explanation (300 words):
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are both nucleic acids that play vital roles in genetics and cellular function. However, they differ in several fundamental ways that relate to their structure and function.
1. Strand Structure:
DNA is typically double-stranded, forming the well-known double helix structure. Its two strands are complementary and run in opposite directions. RNA, on the other hand, is usually single-stranded, although it can fold into complex shapes due to internal base pairing.
2. Sugar Component:
The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which lacks an oxygen atom on the 2’ carbon of the sugar ring. In contrast, RNA contains ribose, which has a hydroxyl group (-OH) at that same position. This seemingly small difference makes RNA more chemically reactive and less stable than DNA, which is ideal since RNA molecules are often short-lived and used for temporary functions.
3. Nitrogenous Bases:
Both DNA and RNA use the bases adenine (A), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). However, DNA uses thymine (T) while RNA uses uracil (U) in place of thymine. Uracil pairs with adenine in RNA just as thymine does in DNA, but the absence of a methyl group in uracil distinguishes it structurally.
4. Function:
DNA stores genetic information in most living organisms and is passed from generation to generation. RNA plays various roles, such as serving as a messenger (mRNA), a structural and catalytic component (rRNA), or in translation (tRNA).
These differences support the distinct roles of DNA and RNA in the cell and underscore the elegance of molecular biology’s design.
