Question

DNA makes a better material than RNA for the storage of genetic information because

a. DNA is chemically much more stable than RNA
b. DNA tends to be much longer than RNA
c. RNA has uracil and therefore cannot store genetic information
d. DNA has a sugar-phosphate backbone, while RNA does not.
e. All of the above

Answer 1

DNA is more stable than RNA due to its deoxyribose sugar, which contributes to its suitability for long-term storage of genetic information, while RNA's structure makes it effective for short-term functions in protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

DNA makes a better material than RNA for the storage of genetic information primarily because DNA is chemically much more stable than RNA. This stability is due to the presence of deoxyribose in DNA, which has one less oxygen atom than the ribose found in RNA, making DNA less reactive and more conducive to long-term storage. Additionally, RNA molecules are relatively small and typically single-stranded, serving mainly in the process of protein synthesis and regulation rather than long-term genetic information storage. Unlike RNA, DNA has a double-helical structure that allows for the efficient repair mechanisms that preserve the genetic codes through generations.