Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nucleotides
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, while in RNA, it is ribose. Understanding the structure of nucleotides is essential for comparing DNA and RNA.
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Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) differ in several key aspects. DNA is typically double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is usually single-stranded and contains ribose. Additionally, DNA uses thymine as a base, whereas RNA uses uracil. Recognizing these differences is crucial for understanding their functions in biological systems.
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Base Pairing
Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. This concept is fundamental for understanding the structure of DNA and RNA and their roles in genetic information storage and transfer.
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