Final answer:
RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil and ribose, distinguishing it from DNA, which is double-stranded and includes thymine and deoxyribose. These structural differences allow RNA to play key roles in protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA differs from DNA in several key ways:
- RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.
- RNA is single-stranded, whereas DNA is double-stranded.
- RNA serves as an intermediate in information transfer, encoding for protein synthesis, while DNA holds the long-term storage of genetic information.
- RNA contains the sugar ribose, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose.
Each of these characteristics enables RNA to play distinct roles in the cell, particularly in the process of protein synthesis.