Differences between DNA and RNA
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are the two primary types of nucleic acids found in living organisms.[1] DNA's main role is to store and transfer genetic information, while RNA's function is to act as a messenger that carries instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins.[2][3] Though both are vital for life, they have distinct differences in their structure, function, and stability.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Feature | Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) | Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Long-term storage of genetic information; the blueprint for life.[4] | Transfers genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes for protein creation; has various other functions.[5][4] |
| Sugar Component | Deoxyribose. | Ribose. |
| Nitrogenous Bases | Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), Thymine (T).[5] | Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), Uracil (U).[5] |
| Structure | Typically a double-stranded helix. | Typically single-stranded. |
| Location in Eukaryotes | Primarily in the nucleus, with a small amount in the mitochondria.[5] | Synthesized in the nucleus, then moves to the cytoplasm. Found in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.[5] |
| Stability | More stable due to the deoxyribose sugar and double-helix structure, which protects the bases. | Less stable and more reactive, due to the ribose sugar and single-stranded form.[2] |
Structural Differences[edit]
The fundamental components of both DNA and RNA are nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. However, the specifics of these components differ. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which contains one less hydroxyl group than RNA's ribose sugar. This minor structural difference makes DNA significantly more stable and less susceptible to hydrolysis.
Their nitrogenous bases also vary. Both molecules use adenine, guanine, and cytosine. DNA's fourth base is thymine, while RNA uses uracil in its place.
The most cited structural distinction is that DNA is a double-stranded molecule, forming a "double helix" shape that resembles a twisted ladder. This structure provides protection for the genetic code stored within. In contrast, RNA is typically a much shorter, single-stranded molecule.
Functional Differences[edit]
DNA serves as the permanent storage for an organism's genetic information.[2] It holds the complete set of instructions a cell needs to develop, survive, and reproduce.[5] This information is organized into genes, which are specific sequences of nucleotides.[5]
RNA's primary role is to facilitate the expression of the genetic information stored in DNA.[3] There are several types of RNA, each with a specific job. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is transcribed from a DNA template in the nucleus and carries the genetic code to the cytoplasm. There, ribosomal RNA (rRNA), a component of ribosomes, helps translate the mRNA's message. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome to build proteins based on the mRNA's instructions.[4] Due to its temporary role, RNA's lower stability is advantageous, allowing it to be degraded after its message has been delivered to prevent the overproduction of proteins.
