DNA and RNA are very important parts of cell biology, but they have some big differences that affect what they do.

First, let’s talk about their structure.

DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, looks like a twisted ladder, called a double helix. The steps of this ladder are made from pairs of special building blocks called nitrogenous bases. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).

On the other hand, RNA, or ribonucleic acid, usually has a single strand and uses a type of sugar called ribose, not deoxyribose. A key difference is that RNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).

Next, let’s look at their functions.

DNA acts like a blueprint for all the genetic information in an organism. This means it helps with inheritance and produces proteins. DNA mostly hangs out in the cell’s nucleus, which keeps it safe and stable.

RNA has a few different jobs, especially when it comes to making proteins. Messenger RNA (mRNA) takes the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are made. Other types of RNA, like transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), help in this process in special ways.

Finally, let's consider their longevity.

DNA is generally more stable and lasts a long time. This helps it keep genetic information safe over many years. RNA, however, doesn't last as long, which allows the cell to quickly change how it makes proteins when needed.

In short, DNA and RNA are different in how they are built, what they do, and how long they last, but both are crucial for how a cell operates.