State three differences between the structure of DNA and the structure of RNA

When comparing the structure of DNA and RNA (draw structure), DNA is double stranded whilst RNA is single stranded. Lets now discuss the molecular structure of DNA and RNA. DNA consists of nitrogen bases A, T, C and G whilst RNA is composed of A, G, C and U bases therefore when comparing DNA and RNA, RNA has a uracil base whilst DNA has thymine bases. On a simpler note, when looking at the acronyms DNA and RNA, DNA stands for deoxyribo-nucleic-acid whilst RNA stands for ribo-nucleic-acid indicating that DNA has a deoxy group that isn't present in RNA. Another example of a difference between the two is that DNA tends to be longer with being thousands of bases long whilst RNA tends to have shorter sequences of approximately 50-500 bases.

SR
Answered by Sarina R. Human Biology tutor

4150 Views

See similar Human Biology A Level tutors

Related Human Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how a B-cell responds the first time it is stimulated by an antigen. [3 marks]


Why is atrial repolarisation not present on an ECG yet ventricular repolarisation is?


People get vitamins mainly from the foods they eat or from vitamin tablets. Give a different way in which people get some vitamin K.


Which of the following is an exchange vessel? A. Capillary B. Elastic artery C. Lymphatic D. Muscular artery E. Vein


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning