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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a key difference between DNA and RNA?
A
RNA has a deoxyribose sugar while DNA has a ribose sugar.
B
DNA is single-stranded while RNA is double-stranded.
C
DNA is found only in the cytoplasm, whereas RNA is found only in the nucleus.
D
RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic structural differences between DNA and RNA. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, and RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. The names themselves hint at a key difference: DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
Next, consider the strand structure of these molecules. DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, whereas RNA is usually single-stranded. This structural difference is crucial for their respective functions in the cell.
Examine the location of DNA and RNA within the cell. DNA is primarily located in the nucleus, where it serves as the genetic blueprint. RNA, on the other hand, is synthesized in the nucleus but functions in the cytoplasm, where it plays a role in protein synthesis.
Focus on the nitrogenous bases present in DNA and RNA. DNA contains adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). RNA contains adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The substitution of uracil for thymine in RNA is a key difference.
Finally, understand the functional implications of these differences. DNA's stability and double-stranded nature make it ideal for long-term storage of genetic information, while RNA's single-stranded structure and presence of uracil allow it to be more versatile in various cellular processes, such as transcription and translation.