Question

Compare and contrast RNA and DNA. (How are they different? How are they similar?)

Answer 1

Differences between RNA and DNA:

• Sugar Molecule: RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.

• Bases: RNA uses uracil (U) as a base instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA.

• Structure: RNA is typically single-stranded, whereas DNA is double-stranded, forming a double helix.

Similarities between RNA and DNA:

• Nucleotides: Both RNA and DNA are composed of nucleotides, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base.

• Bases: They both use adenine (A), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) as bases.

• Genetic Information: Both carry genetic information and play essential roles in cellular processes like protein synthesis.

• Complementary Base Pairing: RNA and DNA use complementary base pairing (A with U in RNA, and A with T in DNA) in various biological processes.