DNA vs RNADiffen› Science›Biology›MicrobiologyDNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is like a blueprint of biological guidelines that a living organism must follow to exist and remain functional.RNA, or ribonucleic acid, helps carry out this blueprints guidelines. Of the two,RNA is more versatile than DNA, capable of performing numerous, diverse tasks in an organism, but DNA is more stable and holds more complex information for longer periods of time.Comparison chartDNARNAStands ForDeoxyriboNucleicAcid.RiboNucleicAcid.DefinitionA nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all modern living organisms. DNAs genes are expressed, or manifested, through the proteins that its nucleotides produce with the help of RNA.The information found in DNA determines which traits are to be created, activated, or deactivated, while the various forms of RNA do the work.FunctionThe blueprint of biological guidelines that a living organism must follow to exist and remain functional. Medium of long-term, stable storageand transmission of genetic information.Helps carry out DNAs blueprint guidelines. Transfers genetic code needed for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome.StructureDouble-stranded. It has two nucleotide strands which consist of its phosphate group, five-carbon sugar (the stable 2-deoxyribose), and four nitrogen-containing nucleobases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.Single-stranded. Like DNA, RNA is composed of its phosphate group, five-carbon sugar (the less stable ribose), and four nitrogen-containing nucleobases: adenine, uracil (not thymine), guanine, and cytosine.Base PairingAdenine links to thymine (A-T) and cytosine links to guanine (C-G).Adenine links to uracil (A-U) and cytosine links to guanine (C-G).LocationDNA is found in the nucleus of a cell and in mitochondria.Depending on the type of RNA, this molecule is found in a cells nucleus, its cytoplasm, and its ribosome.StabilityDeoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive because of C-H bonds. Stablein alkaline conditions. DNA has smaller grooves, which makes it harder for enzymes to attack.Ribose sugar is more reactive because of C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. Not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA has larger grooves, which makes it easier to be attacked by enzymes.PropagationDNA is self-replicating.RNA is synthesized from DNA when needed.Unique FeaturesThe helix geometry of DNA is of B-Form. DNA isprotected in the nucleus, as it is tightly packed. DNA can be damaged by exposure to ultra-violet rays.The helix geometry of RNA is of A-Form. RNA strands are continually made, broken down and reused. RNA is more resistant to damage by Ultra-violet rays.Contents1Structure2Function3Recent News4ReferencesStructure
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 08:27:00 +0000
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