DNA vs. RNA: The Key Differences. Credit: Technology Networks via YouTube

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are perhaps the most important molecules in cell biology, responsible for the storage and reading of genetic information that underpins all life. They are both linear polymers, consisting of sugars, phosphates and bases, but there are some key differences which separate the two1. These distinctions enable the two molecules to work together and fulfil their essential roles. Here, we look at 5 key differences between DNA and RNA. Before we delve into the differences, we take a look at these two nucleic acids side-by-side.

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Figure 1: A comparison of the helix and base structure of RNA and DNA. Credit: Technology Networks.

Comparison

DNA

RNA

Full NameDeoxyribonucleic Acid Ribonucleic Acid

Function

DNA replicates and stores genetic information. It is a blueprint for all genetic information contained within an organism.

RNA converts the genetic information contained within DNA to a format used to build proteins, and then moves it to ribosomal protein factories.

Structure

DNA consists of two strands, arranged in a double helix. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar molecule and a nitrogenous base.

RNA only has one strand, but like DNA, is made up of nucleotides. RNA strands are shorter than DNA strands. RNA sometimes forms a secondary double helix structure, but only intermittently.

Length

DNA is a much longer polymer than RNA. A chromosome, for example, is a single, long DNA molecule, which would be several centimetres in length when unraveled.

RNA molecules are variable in length, but much shorter than long DNA polymers. A large RNA molecule might only be a few thousand base pairs long.

Sugar

The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which contains one less hydroxyl group than RNA’s ribose.

RNA contains ribose sugar molecules, without the hydroxyl modifications of deoxyribose.

Bases

The bases in DNA are Adenine (‘A’), Thymine (‘T’), Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’).

RNA shares Adenine (‘A’), Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’) with DNA, but contains Uracil (‘U’) rather than Thymine.

Base Pairs

Adenine and Thymine pair (A-T)

Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)

Adenine and Uracil pair (A-U)

Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)

Location

DNA is found in the nucleus, with a small amount of DNA also present in mitochondria.

RNA forms in the nucleolus, and then moves to specialized regions of the cytoplasm depending on the type of RNA formed.

ReactivityDue to its deoxyribose sugar, which contains one less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group, DNA is a more stable molecule than RNA, which is useful for a molecule which has the task of keeping genetic information safe.RNA, containing a ribose sugar, is more reactive than DNA and is not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA’s larger helical grooves mean it is more easily subject to attack by enzymes.Ultraviolet (UV) SensitivityDNA is vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet light. RNA is more resistant to damage from UV light than DNA.

We can identify five key categories where DNA and RNA differ:

• Function
• Sugar
• Bases
• Structure
• Location

Function

What are the three types of RNA?

• Messenger RNA (mRNA) copies portions of genetic code, a process called transcription, and transports these copies to ribosomes, which are the cellular factories that facilitate the production of proteins from this code.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing amino acids, basic protein building blocks, to these protein factories, in response to the coded instructions introduced by the mRNA. This protein-building process is called translation.
• Finally, Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosome factory itself without which protein production would not occur1.

Sugar

Bases

Structure

Location

• Thinner (18 A wide as opposed to 20 A wide B-DNA)
• Have a different repeating unit (two base pairs as opposed to one)
• Have different twist angles between bases

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Category: WHICH