In what way is RNA different from dna?

Answer 1

The following distinguishing characteristics can be used to differentiate between DNA and RNA:

• Pentose sugar - the deoxyribose of DNA has one less oxygen than the ribose of RNA
• Nitrogenous bases - DNA contain adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine; RNA contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine.
• Strandedness - DNA is double-stranded and RNA is single-stranded.
• Functions - DNA stores genetic information and RNA transfers the information to other places in the cell.
• Location - DNA is only found in the nucleus whereas RNA can be found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. DNA contains the information for protein synthesis; RNA carries out protein synthesis.
• Reactivity - DNA is less reactive due to stable C-H bonds; RNA is more reactive due to C-OH bond. DNA is stable in alkaline/basic conditions while RNA is unstable in alkaline/basic conditions.
• UV radiation - DNA is more easily damaged.
• Grooves - DNA has smaller grooves reduce enzyme ability to attach and damage while RNA has large grooves enable enzymes to attach and damage.
• Geometry - DNA has B-form helix geometry and RNA has A-form helix geometry

Answer 2

RNA has a ribose sugar backbone.

DNA had a deoxyribose sugar backbone.

RNA uses the nitrogenous base Uracil.

DNA uses Thymine

RNA is usually single stranded.

DNA is double stranded.

RNA has catalytic properties.

DNA is just a storage molecule.