What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

-DNA (Deoxyribose nucleic acid) is a structure made up of a sugar-phosphate backbones linked to one of four chemical bases (adenine, thymine, guanine or cytosine) DNA has a double helix structure that coils to reduce the space needed to store information. -RNA (Ribonucleic acid) is a single stranded structure and also has a Uracil base instead of Thymine. RNA is less stable than DNA and is often used as a messenger in protein synthesis (in its mRNA or tRNA forms) The sugar in RNA is also a ribose sugar as opposed to a deoxyribose sugar in DNA.-The key differences are- RNA's single stranded structure, Uracil base, RNA's weaker stability particularly in alkaline conditions and the Ribose sugar found in RNA.

BM
Answered by Benjamin M. Biology tutor

2307 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the physiological changes that occur in the body if the core body temperature is at 38 degrees celsius.


Describe the adaptations of the small intestine to help perform it's function


Each skin cell in a mouse has 40 chromosomes. How many chromosomes were present in each cell after dividing four times during cell culture?


Identify the four chambers of the heart?


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