Answer:
So, the three main structural differences between RNA and DNA are as follows: RNA is single-stranded while DNA is double-stranded. RNA contains uracil while DNA contains thymine. RNA has the sugar ribose while DNA has the sugar deoxyribose.
These two are almost identical and work together in order for cell to grow. They both are nucleic acids but RNA is only a single-stranded one compared to DNA. Second, they are compose of different kinds of sugar. RNA has ribose sugar while DNA has deoxyribose sugar. RNA is required to make proteins, yet proteins are involved in the production of RNA. DNA has "blueprint" for these intertwined environment for them to work smoothly and continue to replicate new cells. This structural differences is amazing yet, it teaches us a lot about life: it was designed by an intelligent designer and does not come by chance as some people presumes and theorizes.
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ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison Updated on February 02, 2020 DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA is
ribonucleic acid. Although DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences between them. This is a comparison of the differences between DNA versus RNA, including a quick summary and a detailed table of the differences. While both DNA and RNA are used to store genetic information, there are clear differences between them. This table summarizes the key points: Summary of Differences Between DNA and
RNA
Comparison of DNA and RNA
Comparison | DNA | RNA |
Name | DeoxyriboNucleic Acid | RiboNucleic Acid |
Function | Long-term storage of genetic information; transmission of genetic information to make other cells and new organisms. | Used to transfer the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes to make proteins. RNA is used to transmit genetic information in some organisms and may have been the molecule used to store genetic blueprints in primitive organisms. |
Structural Features | B-form double helix. DNA is a double-stranded molecule consisting of a long chain of nucleotides. | A-form helix. RNA usually is a single-strand helix consisting of shorter chains of nucleotides. |
Composition of Bases and Sugars | deoxyribose sugar phosphate backbone adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine bases | ribose sugar phosphate backbone adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil bases |
Propagation | DNA is self-replicating. | RNA is synthesized from DNA on an as-needed basis. |
Base Pairing | AT (adenine-thymine) GC (guanine-cytosine) | AU (adenine-uracil) GC (guanine-cytosine) |
Reactivity | The C-H bonds in DNA make it fairly stable, plus the body destroys enzymes that would attack DNA. The small grooves in the helix also serve as protection, providing minimal space for enzymes to attach. | The O-H bond in the ribose of RNA makes the molecule more reactive, compared with DNA. RNA is not stable under alkaline conditions, plus the large grooves in the molecule make it susceptible to enzyme attack. RNA is constantly produced, used, degraded, and recycled. |
Ultraviolet Damage | DNA is susceptible to UV damage. | Compared with DNA, RNA is relatively resistant to UV damage. |
Which Came First?
There is some evidence DNA may have occurred first, but most scientists believe RNA evolved before DNA. RNA has a simpler structure and is needed in order for DNA to function. Also, RNA is found in prokaryotes, which are believed to precede eukaryotes. RNA on its own can act as a catalyst for certain chemical reactions.
The real question is why DNA evolved if RNA existed. The most likely answer for this is that having a double-stranded molecule helps protect the genetic code from damage. If one strand is broken, the other strand can serve as a template for repair. Proteins surrounding DNA also confer additional protection against enzymatic attack.
Unusual DNA and RNA
While the most common form of DNA is a double helix. there is evidence for rare cases of branched DNA, quadruplex DNA, and molecules made from triple strands. Scientists have found DNA in which arsenic substitutes for phosphorus.
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sometimes occurs. It is similar to DNA, except thymine is replaced by uracil. This type of RNA is found in some viruses. When these viruses infect eukaryotic cells, the dsRNA can interfere with normal RNA function and stimulate an interferon response. Circular single-strand RNA (circRNA) has been found in both animals and plants. At present, the function of this type of RNA is unknown.
Additional References
- Burge S, Parkinson GN, Hazel P, Todd AK, Neidle S (2006). "Quadruplex DNA: sequence, topology and structure". Nucleic Acids Research. 34 (19): 5402–15. doi:10.1093/nar/gkl655
- Whitehead KA, Dahlman JE, Langer RS, Anderson DG (2011). "Silencing or stimulation? siRNA delivery and the immune system". Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 2: 77–96. doi:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-061010-114133
Alberts, Bruce, et al. “The RNA World and the Origins of Life.” Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th ed., Garland Science.
Archer, Stuart A., et al. "A Dinuclear Ruthenium(ii) Phototherapeutic that Targets Duplex and Quadruplex DNA." Chemical Science, no. 12, 28 Mar. 2019, pp. 3437-3690, doi:10.1039/C8SC05084H
Tawfik, Dan S., and Ronald E. Viola. "Arsenate Replacing Phosphate - Alternative Life Chemistries and Ion Promiscuity." Biochemistry, vol. 50, no. 7, 22 Feb. 2011, pp. 1128-1134., doi:10.1021/bi200002a
Lasda, Erika, and Roy Parker. "Circular RNAs: Diversity of Form and Function." RNA, vol. 20, no. 12, Dec. 2014, pp. 1829–1842., doi:10.1261/rna.047126.114