Compare and contrast the structure of DNA and RNA (3 marks)

Similarities: - Both consist of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group and 4 nitrogenous bases.- Both are joined by covalent phosphodiester bonds between the phosphate and pentose sugar groups.Differences:- DNA has two strands of polynucleotides, which forms a double helix. RNA is linear and only has a single polypeptide strand.- RNA has the base uracil, DNA has the base thymine.- RNA has ribose sugar groups, DNA has deoxyribose sugar groups, which have one less hydroxyl group.- DNA is normally found associated with histone proteins to form nucleosomes, RNA is not bound to proteins in its native state.

AA
Answered by Anna A. Biology tutor

13792 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you get from an a base like adenine to an enzyme/protein?


What effect would a CO2 build up in the blood have on the body?


What is the difference between the pulmonary and systemic circuits of the cardiovascular system?


What gives an enzyme specificity?


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