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Chapter 10: Problem 18

List three main differences between DNA and RNA.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The three main differences between DNA and RNA are: 1) The sugar and nucleotide base composition, with DNA containing deoxyribose and the bases Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine, while RNA has ribose and the bases Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, and Guanine; 2) The structure of the molecules, with DNA forming a double helix and RNA being single-stranded; and 3) The functions they serve, with DNA primarily storing genetic information and RNA playing a more active role in the expression of this genetic information through various cellular processes.

Step by step solution

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1. Structure: Sugar and Nucleotide Base Composition

DNA and RNA are both composed of nucleotides, consisting of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, and in RNA, it is ribose. This difference has an impact on the overall shape and stability of the molecules. Furthermore, DNA has the bases Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G), whereas RNA has Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). This means that in RNA, Uracil replaces Thymine as a base that pairs with Adenine.
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2. Structure: Double Helix vs. Single-stranded

DNA is a double-stranded molecule, with two complementary strands that run in opposite directions and are held together by hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This structure forms a double helix, providing protection and stability to the genetic information stored in the DNA molecule. Conversely, RNA is typically a single-stranded molecule, which allows it to assume various shapes and structures. This flexibility enables RNA to participate in diverse cellular processes, such as protein synthesis and gene regulation.
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3. Function: Genetic Information Storage and Expression

DNA primarily serves as the storage molecule for genetic information, containing all the instructions needed for the synthesis of proteins and other functional molecules within the cell. In contrast, RNA plays a more active role in the expression of this genetic information. There are several types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis; transfer RNA (tRNA), which delivers the amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis; and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which is a component of the ribosome itself. Additionally, RNA can also participate in gene regulation through processes such as RNA interference.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What component of the nucleotide is responsible for the absorption of ultraviolet light? How is this technique important in the analysis of nucleic acids?

When Avery and his colleagues had obtained what was concluded to be the transforming factor from the IIIS virulent cells, they treated the fraction with proteases, RNase, and DNase, followed in each case by the assay for retention or loss of transforming ability. What were the purpose and results of these experiments? What conclusions were drawn?

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What are the three major types of RNA molecules? How is each related to the concept of information flow?
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