Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What are the structural differences between DNA and RNA?
A
DNA contains uracil, while RNA contains thymine.
B
DNA is found only in the cytoplasm, while RNA is found only in the nucleus.
C
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
D
DNA is single-stranded, while RNA is double-stranded.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the sugar component in the nucleotides of DNA and RNA. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, whereas RNA contains ribose sugar. This difference in sugar molecules is a key structural distinction.
Examine the nitrogenous bases present in DNA and RNA. DNA contains adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, while RNA contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. Note that thymine in DNA is replaced by uracil in RNA.
Consider the strand structure of DNA and RNA. DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, whereas RNA is usually single-stranded, allowing it to fold into various shapes.
Determine the location within the cell where DNA and RNA are primarily found. DNA is mainly located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, while RNA can be found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, where it plays a role in protein synthesis.
Understand the functional roles of DNA and RNA. DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for organisms, storing and transmitting genetic information, while RNA is involved in translating this genetic information into proteins and can have various forms such as mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.