DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are both nucleic acids, but they differ in structure, components, and function.
Here’s a explanation of their structural differences:
- Sugar Type:
- DNA: Contains deoxyribose sugar (it lacks one oxygen atom on the second carbon).
- RNA: Contains ribose sugar (it has an extra oxygen atom on the second carbon).
- Nitrogen Bases:
- DNA: Has Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C).
- RNA: Has Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C) — Uracil (U) replaces Thymine (T).
- Strand Structure:
- DNA: Is double-stranded, forming a double helix (two strands twisted together).
- RNA: Is usually single-stranded.
- Length and Stability:
- DNA: Very long and stable, designed for long-term storage of genetic information.
- RNA: Shorter and less stable, meant for temporary roles like carrying messages or making proteins.
- Location in Cell:
- DNA: Found mostly in the nucleus (and in mitochondria).
- RNA: Found in the nucleus and cytoplasm.
In short:
- DNA has deoxyribose, Thymine, and is double-stranded — it stores genetic information.
- RNA has ribose, Uracil, and is single-stranded — it helps make proteins from that information.