What is the structure of DNA? How does it differ from that of RNA?

When we talk about the structure of DNA, we often refer to its distinctive shape, known as the double helix. This can be visualized as a twisted ladder where the sides of the ladder are a repeated pattern of sugar and phosphate molecules – this is the sugar-phosphate backbone. The rungs of the ladder are the nitrogenous bases.

DNA's double-helix structure allows it to store biological information in a compact and stable form. The two strands of the helix run in opposite directions (antiparallel), and the bases on one strand pair with those on the other strand: Adenine with Thymine and Guanine with Cytosine. These base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, allowing for easy unzipping during processes like replication and transcription.

RNA, though similar in composition to DNA, has a markedly different structure. It is primarily single-stranded and doesn't form a double helix. Instead, RNA molecules can fold into a variety of complex three-dimensional shapes. These structures are possible because of short double-stranded regions formed by hydrogen bonding between complementary bases within the same RNA molecule.

The versatility in RNA's structure allows it to perform many functions in the cell, from being a messenger that carries genetic information for protein synthesis, to catalyzing chemical reactions as a ribozyme. Its structure is less stable than DNA but perfectly suits the temporary roles RNA plays.

Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of both DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide is composed of three parts: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sugar-phosphate backbone is formed by the sugars and phosphate groups of adjacent nucleotides bonding together. This creates a chain that is both strong and flexible.

Function of Nucleotides

In DNA, nucleotides store genetic information, while in RNA, they are used to transfer and express that information as proteins. Moreover, the sequence of these nucleotides encodes the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

The nitrogenous bases are critical for the storage of genetic information. There are four main bases in DNA: Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T); in RNA, Thymine is replaced by Uracil (U).

Base Pairing Rules

Adenine always pairs with Thymine in DNA and with Uracil in RNA, while Guanine pairs with Cytosine. This pairing is what ensures the accurate transfer of genetic information when cells divide and is key to the synthesis of proteins that perform various functions in the body.

The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the framework of both DNA and RNA molecules. In DNA, the backbone is made with deoxyribose sugars, which lack one oxygen atom that is present in the ribose sugars of RNA. This seemingly small difference is elemental, as it gives DNA more stability, making it the preferred storage form of genetic material in cells.

The sequence of the sugars and phosphates is the same in both DNA and RNA, providing the necessary continuity and allowing the nitrogenous bases to project inward towards the helix axis in DNA, or towards the center of the molecule in RNA, to engage in hydrogen bonding and carry on genetic coding duties.