The structure of DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid aka DNA is the chemical name for the molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living things. The DNA molecule consists of two strands that wind around one another to form a shape known as a double helix. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar, is one of four bases namely; adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). The two strands are held together by bonds between the bases; adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine

Differences between RNA and RNA

1. DNA replicates and stores genetic information. It is a blueprint for all genetic information contained within an organism. RNA converts the genetic information contained within DNA to a format used to build proteins and then moves it to ribosomal protein factories. Structure

2. DNA consists of two strands, arranged in a double helix. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base. RNA only has one strand, but like DNA, is made up of nucleotides. RNA strands are shorter than DNA strands. Length

3. DNA is a much longer polymer than RNA. A chromosome, for example, is a single, long DNA molecule, which would be several centimeters in length when unraveled. RNA molecules are variable in length, but much shorter than long DNA polymers. A large RNA molecule might only be a few thousand base pairs long.

4. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which contains one less hydroxyl group than RNA’s ribose. RNA contains ribose sugar molecules, without the hydroxyl modifications of deoxyribose.

5. The bases in DNA are Adenine (‘A’), Thymine (‘T’), Guanine (‘G’), and Cytosine (‘C’). RNA shares Adenine (‘A’), Guanine (‘G’), and Cytosine (‘C’) with DNA, but contains Uracil (‘U’) rather than Thymine.

6. DNA is found in the nucleus, with a small amount of DNA also present in mitochondria. RNA forms in the nucleolus, and then moves to specialized regions of the cytoplasm depending on the type of RNA formed.

7. Due to its deoxyribose sugar, which contains one less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group, DNA is a more stable molecule than RNA, which is useful for a molecule which has the task of keeping genetic information safe. RNA, containing a ribose sugar, is more reactive than DNA and is not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA’s larger helical grooves mean it is more easily subject to attack by enzymes. Ultraviolet (UV) Sensitivity. DNA is vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet light. RNA is more resistant to damage from UV light than DNA.