DNA and RNA

What is DNA?

DNA is known as Deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a molecule that contains the necessary information to build and maintain an organism. All living beings have DNA in their cells to perform basic body functions. Every cell in a multicellular organism possesses DNA sets. They are required for the proper functioning of an organism. DNA also serves as the primary unit of heredity in organisms of all types meaning thereby, when organisms reproduce, a portion of their DNA is passed on to the next generation.

What is RNA?

RNA is known as Ribonucleic acid. It is a polymeric molecule that is necessary for various biological roles like coding, decoding, regulation of the body and expression of genes. RNA and DNA contain nucleic acids. We shall distinguish between DNA and RNA further. RNA consists of a bond of nucleotides. It is found as a single-strand folded rather than a double strand. RNA is a complex compound that also functions cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA.

Types of DNA and RNA

DNA and RNA have types and divisions. DNA has five divisions, A-DNA, B-DNA, C-DNA, D-DNA and Z-DNA. RNA has four divisions, tRNA, mRNA, rRNA, snRNA. Let us look into each one of these.

DNA

• A-DNA: A-DNAs are found in an environment of 75 degrees. They are actually constructed in a higher salt concentration such as K+, Na+, Cs+. They are also found in a state of dehydration where it endures a form that contains 11 nucleotide pairs with a rise of 2.56A degree. A-DNAs have the broadest helical diameter amongst all the DNAs. It is a typical helix that is right-handed. 

• B-DNA: B-DNAs are found in an environment of 9.25 degrees. They are constructed in a low salt concentration or sometimes in ionic strength. B-DNAs have ten base pairs from the helix axis. Watson-Crick’s double helix model is followed and defined to explain the B-form of DNA.

• C-DNA: B-DNA is found in an environment that has a humidity of 66%. C-DNAs have the occupancy of few ions, such as Lithium (Li+). This type of DNA has 9.33 base pairs in the helix structure.  The diameter of the helix is about 19A degrees, and the vertical rise is 3.320.

• D-DNA: D-DNAs are unique, and it is found rarely as an extreme variant. There are eight base pairs in this structure. They are grouped in a negative manner from the helix axis with an axial rise. 

• Z-DNA: Z-DNAs are found in an environment that has a very high salt concentration. This DNA has a left-handed structure and is not as same as A, B and C DNAs. The backbone of the structure is organised in a zig-zag pattern. It is formed by the sugar-phosphate linkage wherein the recurrent monomer is the dinucleotide in contrast to the mononucleotide. 

RNA

Since RNAs are a part of the DNA, some of the genes are formed accordingly. The different types of RNA are:

• tRNA– tRNA is responsible for transferring RNA.  tRNA manages to carry amino acids to ribosomes during translation. 

• mRNA – mRNA is the messenger RNA. mRNA is responsible for encoding the amino acid sequences of a polypeptide. 

• rRNA – rRNA is known as the ribosomal RNA. rRNA manages and produces ribosomes with the ribosomal proteins, which are actually responsible for the translation of the mRNA.

• sRNA – sRNA is the small nuclear RNA. It forms the complexes along with proteins that are utilised in RNA processing in the eukaryotes.

Similarities of DNA and RNA

Both DNA and RNA share similarities of nucleic acids. DNA and RNA have fluids that store genetic information, and both have large biological polymers. The acids consist of sugar, nitrogenous bases and a phosphate backbone. DNA and RNA are the molecules that have guanine and cytosine paired with each other. The base pairs are connected by hydrogen bonding. Two bonds form adenine and thymine or uracil. The other three hydrogen bonds form between cytosine and guanine. DNA and RNA have some similarities, but most of the information lies in the difference between DNA and RNA.

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The basic distinguish between DNA and RNA are: 

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

In the above table, the basic difference between DNA and RNA is covered on the basis of their structure and function. 

Interesting Facts on DNA and RNA

1. DNA was first discovered and identified by the Swiss biologist Johannes Friedrich Miescher in 1869. He found DNA while experimenting with blood cells. 

2. James Watson and Francis Crick later discovered the double helix structure of a DNA molecule. They proved that DNA is responsible for storing genetic information in living organisms.

3. The most interesting fact is if an individual puts all the DNA molecules in one’s body end to end, the DNA would reach from the Earth to the Sun and back over 600 times.

4. DNA structure is followed through Chargaff’s Rule. Erwin Chargaff was a biochemist who invented that the number of nitrogenous bases in the DNA was present in equal quantities. The formula goes thereby the amount of A is equal to T, whereas the amount of C is equal to G. DNA of any cell of any living organism has the ratio of 1:1 of purine and pyrimidine bases — A=T; C=G.

5. Do you know about the structure of DNA? DNA is actually a double-helical structure composed of nucleotides. When the two helices are joined together by hydrogen bonds, it forms the structure of DNA in a living organism. 

6. Did you know that every human share 99.9% of their DNA with every other human?

7. The main functions of DNA include Replication, Expression of Gene, Mutation, Transcription and Translation.

8. Did you know that B-DNA is found in human beings? It has a right-handed double-helical structure actually.

9. The technology of RNA is used to suppress the expression of fruit ripening genes. It is done so that the fruits can remain on the vine longer. The seasons can be extended for marketing due to this.

10. Some organisms do not have DNA. So, RNA is the genetic material for them. Some of the viruses contain DNA, but most of them only contain RNA.