What Are Some Similarities Between RNA and DNA?
Quick Answer
RNA and DNA are both molecules containing the genetic information that is necessary for life. Both molecules are composed of nucleotides, which are chemical structures consisting of a sugar, a phosphate and a nitrogenous base. Nucleotides are linked by alternating sugar and phosphate bonds.
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Though the general structure of the nucleotides in both RNA and DNA is the same, there is a key difference. Each molecule contains a different type of sugar. The sugar in RNA is ribose, while the sugar in DNA is deoxyribose. The full names of DNA and RNA, deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, are derived from the different type of sugar in each molecule.
The alternating sugar and phosphate bonds create long strands in both DNA and RNA. The molecules differ in the number of strands making up each. DNA is double-stranded, shaped like a ladder with rungs between both sides. RNA is single-stranded.
The function of DNA is the storage of genetic information. DNA is located in the nucleus and must remain there. RNA travels from the nucleus through the cell's cytoplasm to the ribosome. It carries the information from the DNA to the ribosome so that it can be decoded to make proteins.
Genetic information is coded by using the chemicals adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine in DNA. RNA uses the same chemicals as DNA to store genetic information, with the exception of thymine. RNA replaces thymine with a chemical called uracil.
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Q:
What Are Subunits of DNA and RNA Called?
A: The subunits of DNA and RNA are nucleotides. A nucleotide is made up of a phosphate group bonded to a sugar, which is then bound to a nitrogenous base. Bot... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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What Are the Monomers of DNA and RNA?
A: The monomers of DNA and RNA are nucleotides, which are made up of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar and a nitrogenous base. In DNA, the nitrogenous ba... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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What Is the Nitrogenous Base Found in DNA but Not in RNA?
A: Thymine is a nitrogenous base that is found in DNA molecules but not in RNA molecules, according to Vision Learning. Instead of thymine, RNA molecules util... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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How Does DNA Differ From RNA?
A: DNA is a stable, double helix that functions in long-term storage of genetic material, while RNA is a reactive, single helix that transfers information. Th... Full Answer >Filed Under:
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