RNA differs from DNA in several key ways:
- Sugar Component : RNA contains the sugar ribose, which has one more oxygen atom than the deoxyribose sugar found in DNA. DNA's sugar is deoxyribose, lacking one oxygen atom compared to ribose
- Nitrogenous Bases : RNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA. Both share adenine (A), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), but RNA replaces thymine with uracil
- Strand Structure : DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a stable double helix. RNA is usually single-stranded and can fold into various shapes but is less stable than DNA
- Function : DNA stores and replicates genetic information, serving as the blueprint for an organism. RNA's primary role is to convert this genetic information into proteins by acting as a messenger (mRNA), adapter (tRNA), and structural component of ribosomes (rRNA)
- Length and Location : DNA molecules are much longer and primarily located in the cell nucleus (and mitochondria). RNA molecules are shorter, synthesized from DNA, and can move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to participate in protein synthesis
In summary, RNA differs chemically (sugar and bases), structurally (single vs. double strand), functionally (protein synthesis vs. information storage), and in cellular location and stability compared to DNA.
