Question

Which of these is common to both DNA and RNA molecules?

A) Both may be found inside the nucleus
B) Both molecules contain the base uracil
C) Both of the molecules are single stranded
D) There is a deoxyribose sugar present in both backbones

Answer 1

The commonality between DNA and RNA is that both may be found inside the nucleus, and they consist of alternating sugar-phosphate backbones, albeit with different sugars. DNA is typically double-stranded with deoxyribose sugar, and RNA is single-stranded with ribose sugar.

Step-by-step explanation:

The common element between DNA and RNA molecules is that both are nucleic acids consisting of alternating sugar-phosphate molecules forming their respective backbones. However, there are distinct differences between the two. DNA contains a deoxyribose sugar, whereas RNA contains a ribose sugar. The nitrogenous base thymine is exclusive to DNA, while uracil is present only in RNA. Additionally, DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, and RNA is usually single-stranded. Therefore, both may be found inside the nucleus is a correct attribute that is common to both DNA and RNA, as RNA is synthesized in the nucleus and may transit through it, even though it also functions in the cytoplasm.