Final answer:
The change from deoxyribose to ribose alters the structure and function of nucleic acids by affecting their stability and reactivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA it is ribose. The difference between these two sugars is the presence of a hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. This change in sugar structure affects the stability of the nucleic acid and its ability to function as genetic material.
Deoxyribose lacks the hydroxyl group on its second carbon, which makes DNA more stable. This stability allows DNA to store genetic information for long periods. In contrast, ribose with its hydroxyl group makes RNA more reactive and less stable. This reactivity enables RNA to participate in various cellular processes such as protein synthesis.
Overall, the change from deoxyribose to ribose alters the structure and function of nucleic acids by affecting their stability and reactivity.