Which structural characteristic is seen in RNA but not in DNA?
Question
Which structural characteristic is seen in RNA but not in DNA?
Solution
When distinguishing between RNA and DNA, one key structural characteristic of RNA that is not found in DNA is the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the ribose sugar. Specifically, here are the details:
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Sugar Type: RNA contains ribose sugar, which has a hydroxyl group attached to the 2' carbon, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks this hydroxyl group (it has only a hydrogen atom at the 2' position).
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Single vs. Double Stranded: RNA is typically single-stranded, while DNA is usually double-stranded. This single-stranded nature of RNA allows it to fold into various shapes and perform different functions in the cell.
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Base Composition: RNA contains the base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is present in DNA.
These structural differences are essential as they contribute to the distinct roles that RNA and DNA play in cellular processes, such as protein synthesis and genetic information storage.
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