Final answer:
The increased stability of DNA compared to RNA is due to its double phosphate backbone and absence of a 2' hydroxyl group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Responsible for the increased stability of DNA compared to RNA:
The double phosphate backbone and absence of a 2' hydroxyl group in DNA, as compared to RNA, makes DNA more stable. The phosphate groups in DNA create a strong backbone, while the absence of the 2' hydroxyl group reduces the susceptibility to hydrolysis. These factors contribute to the overall stability of DNA.
On the other hand, RNA has a single phosphate backbone and possesses a 2' hydroxyl group, which makes it less stable and prone to degradation.