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

2391 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain what happens to plant shoots when sunlight only reaches one side of the tip


Give some of the ways body temperature is maintained?


What is the function of the mitochondria?


Describe the process of photosynthesis and name three factors that may limit the rate of photosynthesis.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning