Multiple Choice
Which statement correctly describes a key difference between RNA and DNA?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
RNA
Multiple Choice
In most cells, RNA is typically composed of how many polynucleotide strands?
A
Four strands (quadruple-stranded)
B
Three strands (triple-stranded)
C
One strand (single-stranded)
D
Two strands (double-stranded)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of nucleic acids: DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded in most cells.
Recall that RNA consists of a polynucleotide chain made up of ribonucleotides linked together by phosphodiester bonds, forming one continuous strand.
Recognize that although RNA can form secondary structures by folding back on itself (such as hairpins), it does not normally exist as multiple separate strands like DNA.
Eliminate options that suggest multiple strands (four, three, or two strands) because these do not represent the typical structure of RNA in cells.
Conclude that the typical RNA molecule in most cells is composed of one polynucleotide strand, making it single-stranded.
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