Question

What is the structure of DNA? How does it differ from that of RNA?

Short answer

Question: Explain the structure of DNA and how it differs from RNA. Answer: DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double helix-shaped nucleic acid composed of nucleotides that have a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases - adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). In its double helix structure, adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine. DNA primarily stores genetic information. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-stranded nucleic acid composed of nucleotides that have a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases - adenine (A), uracil (U), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Unlike DNA, RNA is responsible for translating stored genetic information into proteins and has various roles in protein synthesis, with three main types: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Step-by-step solution

DNA Structure - Basic Building Blocks

Understanding the structure of DNA requires learning its basic building blocks. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid composed of four nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases - adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).

DNA Structure - Double Helix

In the structure of DNA, these nucleotides are arranged in a twisted ladder-like formation, called a double helix. The two strands of the helix are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases. Complementary base pairing occurs, meaning that adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C).

DNA vs. RNA - Basic Building Blocks

Now let's look at the differences between DNA and RNA. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is also a nucleic acid but has a slightly different structure. Like DNA, RNA is composed of nucleotides, but instead of the sugar deoxyribose, RNA has the sugar ribose. Additionally, RNA has the base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).

DNA vs. RNA - Structure

Regarding structure, RNA is typically a single-stranded molecule, rather than a double helix. This single-stranded structure allows RNA to fold upon itself, creating a variety of shapes necessary for its specific functions.

DNA vs. RNA - Function

Finally, DNA and RNA have different functions within cells. DNA's primary role is to store genetic information and serve as a template for protein synthesis, while RNA is responsible for translating this stored information into proteins. There are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), that collectively coordinate protein synthesis. In summary, DNA is built of nucleotides arranged in a double helix structure, with A-T and C-G base pairing, and serves as storage for genetic information. RNA is built of nucleotides with ribose and uracil instead of deoxyribose and thymine, and is typically single-stranded, with various roles in protein synthesis.