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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly distinguishes DNA from RNA and identifies a unique structural feature of each?
A
DNA contains uracil instead of thymine, while RNA contains thymine instead of uracil.
B
Both DNA and RNA contain the same sugar and are always double-stranded.
C
DNA is found only in the cytoplasm, while RNA is found only in the nucleus.
D
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and is typically double-stranded, while RNA contains ribose sugar and is usually single-stranded.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structural differences between DNA and RNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) contains ribose sugar. The key difference between these sugars is that deoxyribose lacks one oxygen atom on the 2' carbon compared to ribose.
Step 2: Recognize the nitrogenous base differences. DNA contains thymine (T) as one of its bases, while RNA contains uracil (U) instead of thymine. This is a unique feature that helps distinguish the two molecules.
Step 3: Analyze the structural forms. DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix structure, while RNA is usually single-stranded. This structural difference is crucial for their respective functions in the cell.
Step 4: Understand the cellular location. DNA is primarily found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, while RNA can be found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, depending on its type and function.
Step 5: Evaluate the given options. The correct answer is the one that accurately describes the sugar difference (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA) and the typical structural forms (double-stranded DNA and single-stranded RNA).