Question

DNA is usually in double-stranded form, wrapped up and condensed to make it compact, not in a catalytic form. In contrast, hydrogen bonds form between the nucleotides if a single strand of RNA, causing it to form a catalytic structure

Answer 1

The difference between DNA and RNA is in their structures. While DNA has a double-strand structure and is compact but not catalytic, RNA can exist in a single-strand form. The hydrogen bonds that form in RNA allow it to fold into various shapes, thereby making it a catalyst for chemical reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary difference between DNA and RNA lies in their structure. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, resides primarily within the nucleus of cells and exists in a double-stranded form which is wound tightly to compact it. This condensed form of DNA is not catalytic, meaning it doesn't directly facilitate chemical reactions.

On the other hand, RNA, or ribonucleic acid, can exist in a single-stranded form. When it's single-stranded, hydrogen bonds can form between the nucleotides along its length. This causes the RNA to fold into various shapes, giving it a 3-D structure, which makes it catalytic, allowing it to facilitate chemical reactions.

Learn more about DNA and RNA