Differences between DNA and RNA

Differences between DNA and RNA

 Differences between DNA and RNA

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S.N.

Character

DNA

RNA

1.      

Full form

Deoxyribonucleic Acid 

Ribonucleic Acid

2.      

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. 

3.      

Structure

Long, ladder-like macromolecule that twists to form a double helix.

In contrast to the double helix structure of DNA, RNA is generally single stranded.

4.      

Helix Geometry

The helix geometry of DNA is of β-form.

The helix geometry of RNA is of α-form.

5.      

Nucleotides

Each DNA nucleotide contains one of four nitrogenous bases, abbreviated A (adenine), G (guanine), T (thymine), or C (cytosine).

Contains the nitrogenous base uracil in place of thymine.

6.      

Chain of Nucleotides

Long chain of nucleotides

Relatively short chains

7.      

Sugar

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.

Contains a different sugar (ribose rather than deoxyribose) in its nucleotides.

8.      

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)  

9.      

Ratio of Bases

In case of DNA: 
• Adenine = Thymine 
• Guanine = Cytosine

In case of RNA: 
• Adenine ≠ Thymine 
• Guanine ≠ Cytosine

10.   

Molecular Weight

2 to 6 million

25,000 to 2 million

11.   

Number

For a particular species, the DNA number remains constant for every cell.

The number of RNA may differ from cell to cell.

12.   

Molecule

DNA does not usually exist as a single molecule, but instead as a tightly-associated pair of molecules.

RNA may exist as a single molecule.

13.   

Propagation

DNA is self-replicating.

RNA is synthesized from DNA on an as-needed basis.

14.   

Major enzyme involved in propagation

DNA polymerase

RNA polymerase

15.   

Need of Primer

Primer necessary to initiate replication.

No primer is needed for RNA. 

16.   

Proof-reading activity

Present.

Absent since RNA polymerase lacks the ability to detect errors of base pairing.

17.   

Polymer 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 unravelled.

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.

18.   

Leaving Nucleus

DNA can’t leave the nucleus.

RNA leaves the nucleus (mRNA).

19.   

Complementary forms

Complementary forms are mostly between two DNA strands.

RNA strand can form complementary structures with strands of either DNA or RNA.

20.   

Destruction  and re-use

DNA is completely protected by the body i.e. the body destroys enzymes that cleave DNA.

  RNA strands are continually made, broken down and reused.

21.   

Hydrolyzing enzyme

DNase

RNase

22.   

Function

• Storing genetic information
• Directs protein synthesis
• Determines genetic coding
• Directly responsible for metabolic activities, evolution, heredity, and differentiation.

• Transferring genetic information from the DNA to proteins
• Carrying it outside the nucleus
• Translating it to proteins

23.   

Role as Genetic Material

In all organisms other than certain viruses

Very rarely (in some viruses)

24.   

Versatility and Usefulness

More stable and holds more complex information for longer periods of time.

RNA is more versatile than DNA, capable of performing numerous, diverse tasks in an organism.

25.   

Stability

Due to its deoxyribose sugar, which contains one less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group, DNA is a more stable molecule than RNA. DNA is stable under alkaline conditions.

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.

26.   

Ultraviolet (UV) Sensitivity

DNA is vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet light. 

RNA is more resistant to damage from UV light than DNA.

27.   

Mutation Rate

DNA’s mutation rate is relatively lower.

RNA’s mutation rate is relatively higher.

28.   

Unusual Bases

Never

May be present rarely

29.   

Rate of Renaturation After Melting

Relatively slower

Quick

30.   

Types

Chromosomal DNA (nuclear DNA) and Extra-chromosomal (plasmid DNA, mt- DNA, chl- DNA etc.)

Messenger RNA (mRNA) Transfer RNA (tRNA) Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

hnRNA • snRNA • snoRNA • miRNA • siRNA

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