Question

Write the different structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA.

Answer 1

Hint: There are many differences between DNA and RNA. We will get to know about the various structural and functional differences between them.

Complete step by step solution:
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid whereas RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid. The various structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA are as follows:

DNA	RNA
DNA has a double helix structure.	RNA has a single helix structure.
The nitrogenous bases present in DNA are Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, and Cytosine.	The nitrogenous bases present in RNA are Adenine, Guanine, Uracil, and Cytosine.
Longer polymer with deoxyribose sugar and phosphate backbone.	Shorter polymer with ribose sugar and phosphate backbone.
Medium of long-term storage and transmission of genetic information.	Transfer the genetic code needed for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. This process prevents the DNA from having to leave the nucleus, so it stays safe. Without RNA, proteins could never be made.
Adenine pairs with thymine whereas guanine pairs with cytosine.	Adenine pairs with uracil whereas guanine pairs with cytosine.
DNA is less reactive due to C-H bond.	RNA is more reactive due to C-OH bond.
DNA is stable in alkaline condition.	RNA is not stable in alkaline condition.
The helix geometry of DNA is B-form.	The helix geometry of RNA is A-form.
DNA is completely protected by the body i.e. the body destroys enzymes that cleaves DNA.	RNA is continuously made broken down and reused.
DNA can be damaged by exposure of UV rays.	RNAs are more resistant to UV rays.

Note: In the above table we saw the structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA. In context to this the central dogma is also very important. In the central dogma, DNA is formed by the process of replication, DNA is converted to RNA by the process of transcription. Furthur RNA is converted to protein by the process of translation.