Introduction

DNA and RNA are two nucleic acids that are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living beings. Although both have some similarities, they also have important differences in their structure and function.

Structure of DNA and RNA

DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double helix molecule formed by the union of nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a nitrogenous base, a sugar called deoxyribose, and a phosphate group. The four nitrogenous bases found in DNA are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).

RNA

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a single-stranded molecule that is also made up of nucleotides. However, its sugar is ribose, rather than deoxyribose found in DNA. In addition, RNA contains the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and uracil (U).

Functions of DNA and RNA

DNA

DNA contains the genetic information of living beings, that is, the instructions for the development and functioning of organisms. This information is found in genes, which are specific segments of DNA. DNA is capable of replicating and transmitting its information from one cell to another during cell division.

RNA

RNA, for its part, fulfills various functions in the cell. One of its best-known types is messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where protein synthesis takes place. There are also other types of RNA, such as ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA), which participate in protein synthesis in different ways.

Conclusions

In summary, DNA and RNA are two nucleic acids essential for life. DNA stores and transmits the genetic information of organisms, while RNA fulfills various functions in protein synthesis. Although they share some similarities in their structure, these molecules also present important differences in their components and functionality.

Fonts

• NCBI eBook
• Scientific article in Nature Education
• Scientific article in ScienceDirect

Keywords

DNA, RNA, genetic information, nucleotides, deoxyribonucleic, ribonucleic, replication, protein synthesis, genes.

References

DNA image: Pikist

RNA image: Flickr

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