Final answer:
Having a hydroxyl group on the ribose affects the structure and function of nucleic acids. In RNA, it contributes to secondary structures and reactivity. In DNA, its absence provides stability and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The consequences of having a hydroxyl group on the ribose are significant in terms of the structure and function of nucleic acids. In RNA, ribose contains a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon, while in DNA, deoxyribose lacks this hydroxyl group. This difference in sugar structure affects the stability, flexibility, and interactions of nucleic acids.
In RNA, the hydroxyl group on the ribose is important for forming secondary structures like hairpins and loops. It also participates in a process called RNA splicing, which is essential for generating functional RNA molecules. Additionally, the presence of the hydroxyl group makes RNA more reactive than DNA.
In DNA, the lack of a hydroxyl group on the deoxyribose confers greater stability and protection against enzymatic degradation. This stability is crucial for the long-term storage and faithful transmission of genetic information.