Compare and contrast the features of eukaryotic DNA and RNA

Both DNA and RNA a nucleic acids, made up of nucleotides, that encode genetic information. A nucleotide is a molecule composed of phosphate, sugar and a base, and these nucleotides bind to one another to form a strand, much like a chain. In the case of DNA, the sugar present is called deoxyribose and the bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C), and these bases on one strand are able to form bonds with complementary bases on another strand (A always binds T, and G always binds C), thus forming a double stranded helix. DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell. RNA on the other hand contains the sugar ribose, and the base uracil (U) instead of T (all other bases and their complementary pairings are otherwise the same). Though the bases of RNA are able to bind to one another like those of DNA, RNA exists almost always as single strands. These are found in the cytoplasm of the cell.

SA
Answered by Sophia A. Biology tutor

3105 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do new species evolve?


Explain the four stages of mitosis ( 8 marks).


How is blood glucose concentration controlled by hormones?


The pancrease secretes protease enzymes. How do organelles within a cell work together to PRODUCE and RELEASE these protein molecules from the cell?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences