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What Are the Key Differences Between the Structures of DNA and RNA?

DNA and RNA are important molecules in our bodies, but they have some key differences that affect how they work.

  1. Strand Structure:

    • DNA: This is like a twisted ladder with two sides, known as a double helix.
    • RNA: This is a single strand, which can bend and twist into different shapes.
  2. Sugar Component:

    • DNA: The sugar in DNA is called deoxyribose.
    • RNA: The sugar in RNA is ribose, which has an extra oxygen atom.
  3. Nitrogenous Bases:

    • DNA: This molecule uses four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
    • RNA: RNA has adenine (A), but it uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), along with cytosine (C) and guanine (G).
  4. Functions:

    • DNA: Its job is to store our genetic information.
    • RNA: It helps make proteins and is involved in how genes work.

These differences are really important for how DNA and RNA function in our cells!

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What Are the Key Differences Between the Structures of DNA and RNA?

DNA and RNA are important molecules in our bodies, but they have some key differences that affect how they work.

  1. Strand Structure:

    • DNA: This is like a twisted ladder with two sides, known as a double helix.
    • RNA: This is a single strand, which can bend and twist into different shapes.
  2. Sugar Component:

    • DNA: The sugar in DNA is called deoxyribose.
    • RNA: The sugar in RNA is ribose, which has an extra oxygen atom.
  3. Nitrogenous Bases:

    • DNA: This molecule uses four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
    • RNA: RNA has adenine (A), but it uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), along with cytosine (C) and guanine (G).
  4. Functions:

    • DNA: Its job is to store our genetic information.
    • RNA: It helps make proteins and is involved in how genes work.

These differences are really important for how DNA and RNA function in our cells!

Related articles