Question

List three differences between DNA and RNA

Answer 1

DNA is Deoxyribonucleic acid whereas RNA is Ribonucleic acid.

DNA is a double-stranded molecule consisting of a long chain of nucleotides whereas RNA is usually a single strand helix consisting of shorter chains of nucleotides.

The differences between DNA and RNA are :-

DNA	RNA
• DNA is mainly found in nucleus and nucleoid. A small quantity may be found in mitochondria and chloroplasts.	• RNA is mostly found in the cytoplasm.
• It contains deoxyribose sugar (at 2nd position).	• It contains ribose sugar.
• The bases present in DNA are :- Adenine, Guanine, cytosine, Thymine.	• The bases present in RNA are :- Adenine, guanine, cytosine, Uracil.
• DNA is susceptible to UV damage.	• RNA is less susceptible to UV damage.
• A pairs with T and C pairs with G.	• A pairs with U and C pairs with G.
• DNA is self-replicating.	• RNA is synthesized from DNA on an as needed basis.
• Carries the genetic information necessary for the development, functioning and reproduction.	• Mainly involved in protein synthesis. Sometimes it regulates the gene expression.