Final answer:
The component of RNA that varies from individual to individual or between bacteria is the order of nitrogenous bases, which determines the encoded genetic information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of RNA that varies from one individual (or one bacterium) to another is the order of nitrogenous bases.
Each RNA molecule consists of a sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids. A nucleotide is made up of three components: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. In the structure of RNA, the nitrogenous bases can vary in sequence, which leads to the genetic diversity observed among different organisms.
The pentose sugar in RNA is ribose, which is consistent across all RNA molecules, while in DNA the sugar is deoxyribose. The number of phosphates in a nucleotide does not vary and remains constant, and the bond between the phosphate and sugar is also consistent. Therefore, the difference that can occur from individual to individual or between bacteria is the order of the nitrogenous bases, because the sequence in which these bases are arranged will determine the genetic information encoded by a particular strand of RNA.