What is the difference between DNA vs RNA?
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What is the difference between DNA vs RNA? These molecules are the most important building blocks in living things as they help make life possible. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, and RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids and carry genetic information, but they also have their differences. Let’s go over these differences and similarities and discover why they are pivotal to life. Physical differences between DNA and RNA. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.DNA vs RNA Difference Summary TableDNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)RNA (ribonucleic acid)FunctionStore and replicate genetic information—the blueprint for all genetic traitsA copy of DNA with instructions on cellular functions and protein synthesisStructureDouble helixRNA is a single stranded molecule but intermittently forms a double helix structureNucleotide compositionEach nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine)Each nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil)Type of sugarDeoxyribose sugar is a monosaccharide containing three hydroxyl groups (-OH–)Ribose sugar is a monosaccharide containing four hydroxyl groupsBase pairingCytosine – GuanineAdenine – ThymineCytosine – Guanine Adenine – UracilLengthIn comparison, DNA is much longer than RNA. A single strand of DNA would be around 2 m longRNA molecules vary in length, but they are much shorter than DNALocationDNA is located in the nucleus, with some DNA found in the mitochondriaRNA forms in the nucleolus and is found in the cell’s cytoplasmReactivityDNA is highly stable, thanks to its strong C-H bonds and the fact that it contains one less hydroxyl group. This stability is useful for a molecule in charge of keeping genetic material intactDue to its extra oxygen (in the hydroxyl group), RNA is more reactive than DNA. Therefore, it is especially not stable under alkaline conditions and is susceptible to enzyme attack. This is useful for a molecule that has to be produced, degraded, and recycled constantlyDVA vs RNA What is the difference between DNA vs RNA?Let us now explore in more detail how does RNA differ from DNA. FunctionDNA is like a flash drive or computer chip with all the information needed to carry out cellular processes and produce proteins. It has to pass on this information to all new cells being made so that the processes are carried on in the exact same manner. This blueprint is essential to the continuity of life. RNA is like the decoder as it makes a copy of this drive and relays the instructions to the rest of the cell. This comprises a series of complex steps with different types of RNA delivering different processes. The three main types of RNA are:
StructureThe iconic double helix structure of DNA is well-known in popular culture. The structure of RNA, not so much. A double helix structure means that the two strands joined by the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases coil together in the pattern that we all know due to its structure and weight. This does not happen with RNA since it is a single strand. However, RNA can form double-stranded structures, at least momentarily. For example, during the process of translation, there is a moment in which mRNA pairs with tRNA. This short double-strand will cause RNA to coil for that instant. tRNA joining to mRNA. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.Nucleotide compositionNucleotides are the monomers that make up the polymers DNA vs RNA. A nucleotide is made of three basic components:
The structural difference between nucleotides rests in two instances:
Type of sugarThe backbones of both DNA and RNA are a sugar molecule and a phosphate group. Regarding the type of sugar, RNA contains the sugar ribose, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose. As the name indicates, “deoxy” means that while RNA has two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to the backbone, DNA contains only one hydroxyl group since there is no oxygen attached to hydrogen, where it would go in RNA. Ribose vs deoxyribose sugar. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International.In other words, and as you can see in the figure above, deoxyribose sugar is one oxygen short from ribose. Why is this difference important? The extra oxygen in RNA provides it with more flexibility, a helpful characteristic for a molecule that converts genetic code into proteins. On the other hand, deoxyribose sugar gives DNA more stability, which is necessary for the molecule that carries the blueprints that need to be passed on from one generation to the next. Bases and base pairingAs we have mentioned before, each nucleotide is composed of a phosphate and a sugar backbone. All across DNA vs RNA, this backbone has the same structure – deoxyribose and phosphate or ribose and phosphate respectively. The part that makes each nucleotide unit different is its nitrogenous base. DNA nucleotide. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution 4.0 International.Nitrogenous bases are composed of carbon and nitrogen rings. The number of rings in a base determines if it is either a purine (two rings) or a pyrimidine (one ring). The illustration below shows the structures of purines and pyrimidines. The most apparent difference between the two groups is their size and structure. Purine (2 rings) and pyrimidine (1 ring) bases. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International.A purine will always bond with a pyrimidine through complementary base-pairing. This is convenient to allow proper spacing between successive nucleotides in a DNA or RNA strand. DNA base pairs are A::T and G::C. Since RNA does not contain thymine, the base pairs are A::U and G::C. One of the reasons why DNA uses thymine instead of uracil is that thymine has better resistance to photochemical mutation, another convenience to stability. Uracil is also more resistant to oxidation, a trait needed in an environment outside the nucleus where it will find oxygen. Thymine on the other hand, which is susceptible to oxygen, is stored safely inside the nucleus. Length of DNA vs RNAA DNA molecule making up a single chromosome is usually composed of around 200 million nucleotide pairs. This is equivalent to about 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length. The RNA molecules produced from transcription detach from the parent DNA in the form of a short strand. Because they are copies of only a certain region of DNA, RNA molecules are much shorter than DNA. They are no more than a few nucleotides long. Location of DNA vs RNADNA is conveniently stored inside the nucleus in the form of chromosomes. This also makes it easier to be transferred. In addition to the nucleus, you can find DNA in the cell’s power plants: the mitochondria. There are three types of RNA, and they are found in different locations. The transcribed copy of DNA, mRNA, exits the nucleus into the cytoplasm, where it is directed by the cytoskeleton around the cell as needed. tRNA is also a molecule that roams around the cytoplasm. When signaled by the ribosome, it will find free amino acids and bring them in for protein synthesis. As mentioned earlier, rRNA is part of the ribosome, the organelle where protein synthesis takes place. Reactivity of DNA vs RNADNA is a critical part of organisms, and as such, it needs to stay protected against changes such as attacks or mutations. Proteins protect DNA inside the nucleus. In addition, the molecule has several repair mechanisms and is stable in alkaline conditions. On the other hand, RNA is more reactive than DNA. In addition, its single-strand structure makes it more vulnerable to enzyme attacks. DNA is more vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet radiation than RNA. The link between UV radiation and skin cancer is caused in part by this vulnerability. Similarities Between DNA vs RNA MoleculesTo this point, you have probably noticed several similarities between DNA vs RNA. For starters, we can easily note that they are both types of nucleic acids, chainlike molecules composed of nearly identical units called nucleotides. Individual nucleotides are called monomers, while the linked together molecule is called a polymer. Only an extra oxygen and a different base differ between DNA vs RNA structure. Wikipedia. CC-Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.Here’s a list of some other similarities between these molecules:
Decode your DNA with Nebula GenomicsDNA and RNA are both fantastic molecules with specific characteristics that make them suitable for their job. The intricate design of DNA makes it unique, and it has been the topic of interest not only in research, but also forensics, paternity tests, and commercial genetic testing for traits and diseases. At Nebula Genomics, we know the importance of knowing what is written in your DNA to your health and well-being. This is why we offer optimal services that decode 100% of your DNA to provide you with a complete picture of your genome. Whether you want to know about your ancestry, your close family, or would like to check if you are susceptible to developing a certain disease, or maybe want to create a personalized diet, our 30x Whole Genome Sequencing guarantees complete information of your genome. So go ahead and order your DNA test kit today! Looking for more educational material? You may be interested in our other articles such as this one on the history of the DNA model. What are four differences between the structure of DNA and RNA?So, the three main structural differences between RNA and DNA are as follows: RNA is single-stranded while DNA is double-stranded. RNA contains uracil while DNA contains thymine. RNA has the sugar ribose while DNA has the sugar deoxyribose.
What are the main structural differences between RNA and DNA quizlet?Terms in this set (8)
The three main differences between RNA and DNA is that (1) The sugar in RNA is ribose instead of deoxyribose, (2) RNA is generally single-stranded and not double-stranded , and (3) RNA contain uracil in place of thymine.
What are the structural similarities and differences between DNA and RNA?The DNA and RNA Structures
Nucleotides simply refer to nitrogenous bases, pentose sugar together with the phosphate backbone. Both DNA and RNA have four nitrogenous bases each—three of which they share (Cytosine, Adenine, and Guanine) and one that differs between the two (RNA has Uracil while DNA has Thymine).
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