Compare the structure and functions of DNA and RNA
There are two main types of nucleic acids- deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic
acid (RNA). At the molecular level, all life is made up of the same components: DNA and RNA.
Even though DNA and RNA are both made up of nucleotides and share many similarities, the
structural and functional differences between these two molecules are significant.
DNA stands for “deoxyribonucleic acid.” This is a polymer made up of nucleotides,
which are smaller molecules. A phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base are
all found in each nucleotide. Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine are the four nitrogenous
bases found in DNA molecules. Two polynucleotide chains make up this molecule. These coils
form a complex double helix that carries genetic instructions for all living organisms'
development, function, growth, and reproduction. DNA stores all of a cell's genetic material.
When the two strands of double-stranded DNA separate, the biological information stored in
them is replicated.
On the other hand, RNA stands for “ribonucleic acid” and is made of ribonucleotides that
are linked by phosphodiester bonds each containing a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a
nucleotide base. Adenine, Uracil, Guanine, and Cytosine are the four types of nitrogenous bases
found in RNA molecules. Typically, RNA molecules are single-stranded and are much shorter.
Its job is to carry out the DNA-encoded instructions. Messenger RNA (mRNA), Ribosomal RNA
(rRNA), and Transfer RNA are the three types of RNA (tRNA). In some organisms, RNA is
used to transmit genetic information and may have been the molecule used to store genetic
blueprints in primitive organisms. It is used to transfer the genetic code from the nucleus to the
ribosomes to make proteins.
To sum everything up, DNA is a B-form double helix and RNA is an A-form helix. DNA
is a double-stranded molecule consisting of a long chain of nucleotides and contains the 5-carbon
sugar deoxyribose while RNA is usually single-stranded consisting of shorter chains of
nucleotides and contains the 5-carbon sugar ribose. DNA stores genetic information for the cell
and is self-replicating while RNA uses the information stored in DNA to make proteins and is
synthesized by transcription.
Grace 1999