What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is a double helix, made up of two polynucleotide strands.  RNA is comprised of only one polynucleotide strand.  

The sugar in the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA is deoxyribose, whereas ribose is present in RNA.  

Both DNA and RNA contain the bases adenine, guanine and cytosine.  In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, but in RNA it pairs with uracil.  

DNA is more stable than RNA.  

Answered by Claire B. Biology tutor

24274 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare and contrast stabilising selection with disruptive selection


Name the three components that make up a nucleotide


What is transcription?


Describe the similarities and differences between the structure of ATP and a DNA nucleotide


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences