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DNA and RNA
Learn about DNA, RNA and nucleic acids
Quick Facts about Nucleic Acids
If you're taking general chemistry, organic, or biochemistry, you'll need to
understand some basic concepts about nucleic acids, the polymers used to
code the genetic information of organisms. Here are some quick nucleic acid
facts to get you started:
 Nucleic acids are the molecules that code the genetic information of
organisms.
 The
two nucleic
acids used
in
repair,
reproduction
and
protein
synthesis are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA, shown) and ribonucleic acid
(RNA).
 DNA and RNA are polymers made up of monomers called nucleotides.
 A DNA molecule is a double helix made up of two strands of polymers that
are
complementary
to
each other,
but
not
identical. Hydrogen
bonding holds the base pairs of the two strands together.
 RNA is used to direct the production of proteins by the cell.
Know the Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA is ribonucleic acid. Although
DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences
between them. This is a comparison of the differences between DNA versus
RNA, including a quick summary and a detailed table of the differences.
Summary of Differences between DNA and RNA

DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose.
The only difference between ribose and deoxyribose is that ribose has one
more –OH group than deoxyribose, which has –H attached to the second
(2’) carbon in the ring.

DNA is a double stranded molecule while RNA is a single stranded
molecule.

DNA is stable under alkaline conditions while RNA is not stable.

DNA and RNA perform different functjions in humans. DNA is responsible
for storing and transferring genetic information while RNA directly codes
for amino acids and as acts as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes
to make proteins.
Carries genetic information

Genetic messenger
Functional vehicle
DNA and RNA base pairing is slightly different, since DNA uses the bases
adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine; RNA uses adenine, uracil,
cytosine, and guanine. Uracil differs from thymine in that it lacks a methyl
group on its ring
DNA basepairing
RNA basepairing