What are the differences between DNA and RNA structure?

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Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

DNA structure

RNA structure

Function

DNA is responsible for the long-term storage of genetic information within cells

RNA is involved in the transmission of genetic information to facilitate the synthesis of proteins

Replication

DNA is self-replicating

RNA is synthesized from DNA

Base pairing

A-T (adenine-thymine) G-C (guanine-cytosine)

A-U (adenine-uracil) G-C (guanine-cytosine)

Ultraviolet damage

DNA can be damaged or altered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation

RNA is more resilient or less affected by UV damage compared to DNA

Reactivity

DNA is highly stable due to its strong C-H bonds, and the body has mechanisms to eliminate enzymes that could harm it. It also possess small protective grooves

RNA is more reactive than DNA due to the presence of the O-H bond in its ribose sugar. RNA is less stable in alkaline conditions compared to DNA and has larger grooves

Structure

DNA forms a structure known as the B-form double helix. It consists of two strands twisted around each other, forming a long chain of nucleotides

RNA exists in the form of an A-form helix. It consists of a single strand, made up of shorter chains of nucleotides.

Basis of differentiation	DNA structure	RNA structure
Function	DNA is responsible for the long-term storage of genetic information within cells	RNA is involved in the transmission of genetic information to facilitate the synthesis of proteins
Replication	DNA is self-replicating	RNA is synthesized from DNA
Base pairing	A-T (adenine-thymine) G-C (guanine-cytosine)	A-U (adenine-uracil) G-C (guanine-cytosine)
Ultraviolet damage	DNA can be damaged or altered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation	RNA is more resilient or less affected by UV damage compared to DNA
Reactivity	DNA is highly stable due to its strong C-H bonds, and the body has mechanisms to eliminate enzymes that could harm it. It also possess small protective grooves	RNA is more reactive than DNA due to the presence of the O-H bond in its ribose sugar. RNA is less stable in alkaline conditions compared to DNA and has larger grooves
Structure	DNA forms a structure known as the B-form double helix. It consists of two strands twisted around each other, forming a long chain of nucleotides	RNA exists in the form of an A-form helix. It consists of a single strand, made up of shorter chains of nucleotides.

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