DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids. List three things that make them different from each other.

Question

DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids.  List three things that make them different from each other.

anonymous · Answer

hey this is Mathematics U should have to post this one in biology group...:)

anonymous · Answer

DNA has two polypeptide chains But RNA doesn't..

anonymous · Answer

Number of strands 
2. The sugar 
3. One of the bases 



1 Number of strands 

In nature, RNA usually has one strand, DNA two. There are exceptions in viruses. Also, single-stranded DNA can be synthesized in laboratories for use e.g. as primers and probes. 

2 The sugar 

Both nucleic acids have a pentose. In RNA it is ribose, in DNA deoxyribose. 





3 One of the bases 

RNA has uracil where DNA has thymine. 

Another difference is speculative: many scientists believe RNA preceded DNA in the history of living organisms. Among other pieces of evidence is the fact that the distinctive components of DNA (thymine and deoxyribose) are synthesized in cells via the RNA equivalent: thymine by methylation of uracil, and deoxyribose by reduction of ribose