Final answer:
RNA differs from DNA in three main ways: it is single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, and has uracil instead of thymine. Hence option D is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA (ribonucleic acid) differs from DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in three main ways:
- RNA is single-stranded: Unlike DNA, which is double-stranded, RNA typically exists as a single strand. This single-stranded structure allows RNA to adopt different shapes and interact with other molecules in the cell.
- RNA contains ribose sugar: In RNA, the sugar component of the nucleotide is ribose, while in DNA, it is deoxyribose. Ribose has an additional oxygen atom compared to deoxyribose.
- RNA has uracil instead of thymine: RNA uses the base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA. Adenine (A) still pairs with uracil in RNA, just like it pairs with thymine in DNA.
hence the correct option is D) All of the above.