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Stands For | DeoxyriboNucleicAcid. |
RiboNucleicAcid. |
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Definition | A
nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the
development and functioning of all modern living organisms. DNA's genes
are expressed, or manifested, through the proteins that its nucleotides
produce with the help of RNA. |
The information found in DNA determines which traits are to be created, activated, or deactivated, while the various forms of RNA do the work. |
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Function | The
blueprint of biological guidelines that a living organism must follow
to exist and remain functional. Medium of long-term, stable storage and
transmission of genetic information. |
Helps carry out
DNA's blueprint guidelines. Transfers genetic code needed for the
creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. |
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Structure | Double-stranded.
It has two nucleotide strands which consist of its phosphate group,
five-carbon sugar (the stable 2-deoxyribose), and four
nitrogen-containing nucleobases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and
guanine. |
Single-stranded.
Like DNA, RNA is composed of its phosphate group, five-carbon sugar (the
less stable ribose), and four nitrogen-containing nucleobases: adenine,
uracil (not thymine), guanine, and cytosine. |
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Base Pairing | Adenine links to thymine (A-T) and cytosine links to guanine (C-G). |
Adenine links to uracil (A-U) and cytosine links to guanine (C-G). |
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Location | DNA is found in the nucleus of a cell and in mitochondria. |
Depending on the type of RNA, this molecule is found in a cell's nucleus, its cytoplasm, and its ribosome. |
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Stability | Deoxyribose
sugar in DNA is less reactive because of C-H bonds. Stable in alkaline
conditions. DNA has smaller grooves, which makes it harder for enzymes
to "attack." |
Ribose sugar is
more reactive because of C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. Not stable in alkaline
conditions. RNA has larger grooves, which makes it easier to be
"attacked" by enzymes. |
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Propagation | DNA is self-replicating. |
RNA is synthesized from DNA when needed. |
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Unique Features | The
helix geometry of DNA is of B-Form. DNA is protected in the nucleus, as
it is tightly packed. DNA can be damaged by exposure to ultra-violet
rays. |
The helix
geometry of RNA is of A-Form. RNA strands are continually made, broken
down and reused. RNA is more resistant to damage by Ultra-violet rays
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