What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

-DNA (Deoxyribose nucleic acid) is a structure made up of a sugar-phosphate backbones linked to one of four chemical bases (adenine, thymine, guanine or cytosine) DNA has a double helix structure that coils to reduce the space needed to store information. -RNA (Ribonucleic acid) is a single stranded structure and also has a Uracil base instead of Thymine. RNA is less stable than DNA and is often used as a messenger in protein synthesis (in its mRNA or tRNA forms) The sugar in RNA is also a ribose sugar as opposed to a deoxyribose sugar in DNA.-The key differences are- RNA's single stranded structure, Uracil base, RNA's weaker stability particularly in alkaline conditions and the Ribose sugar found in RNA.

BM
Answered by Benjamin M. Biology tutor

2681 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Endocrine glands release hormones, suggest what would happen in the body of a person with hyperthyroidism.


Explain what advantage a large surface area to volume ratio will provide for a penguin living in Antarctica


What is an enzyme? Explain their importance?


What is contained within a nucleus of a cell and how is this made up or arranged


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning