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Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) also play key roles in this process. RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), carries this information from DNA to the ribosomes, where translation into a protein sequence occurs. DNA holds the genetic information or "blueprint" for the protein. How do the roles of DNA and RNA differ in protein synthesis?ĭNA and RNA have distinct roles in protein synthesis. Furthermore, DNA uses the bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, while RNA uses adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, whereas RNA contains ribose. DNA is double-stranded, forming a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded. What are the main structural differences between DNA and RNA molecules?ĭNA and RNA have significant structural differences. RNA is more resistant to damage from UV light than DNA. RNA’s larger helical grooves mean it is more easily subject to attack by enzymes.ĭNA is vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet light. RNA, containing a ribose sugar, is more reactive than DNA and is not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA forms in the nucleolus, and then moves to specialised regions of the cytoplasm depending on the type of RNA formed.ĭue to its deoxyribose sugar, which contains one less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group, DNA is a more stable molecule than RNA, which is useful for a molecule which has the task of keeping genetic information safe. RNA shares Adenine (‘A’), Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’) with DNA, but contains Uracil (‘U’) rather than Thymine.Īdenine and Thymine pair (A-T) Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)Īdenine and Uracil pair (A-U) Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)ĭNA is found in the nucleus, with a small amount of DNA also present in mitochondria.
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The bases in DNA are Adenine (‘A’), Thymine (‘T’), Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’). RNA contains ribose sugar molecules, without the hydroxyl modifications of deoxyribose. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which contains one less hydroxyl group than RNA’s ribose. A large RNA molecule might only be a few thousand base pairs long. RNA molecules are variable in length, but much shorter than long DNA polymers. A chromosome, for example, is a single, long DNA molecule, which would be several centimetres in length when unravelled. RNA sometimes forms a secondary double helix structure, but only intermittently.ĭNA is a much longer polymer than RNA. RNA strands are shorter than DNA strands. RNA only has one strand, but like DNA, is made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar molecule and a nitrogenous base. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. RNA converts the genetic information contained within DNA to a format used to build proteins, and then moves it to ribosomal protein factories.ĭNA consists of two strands, arranged in a double helix.
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It is a blueprint for all genetic information contained within an organism. This property of DNA is used in DNA finger printing, a technique used to identity an individual from his or her DNA.DNA replicates and stores genetic information. Transcription: DNA produces RNAs (Ribonucleic Acid) through the process of transcription.Ĭellular Metabolism: It regulates the metabolic reactions of the cells with the help of enzymes, hormones and specific RNAs.ĭevelopment: It controls the development of organisms through internal genetic clock.ĭNA Finger Printing: Each individual has its own DNA sequence that does not match with others. It allows DNA transfer genetic information from old cells to new cells (from one generation to the next generation). Replication: DNA produces carbon copies through replication. Genetic Information: It carries genetic information from one generation to the next generation.
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Each strand of DNA serves as a template to form a new strand so that each new cell can have an exact copy of the DNA present in the old cell. The nucleotides lie adjacent to each other to form two long strands which entwine like vines to form a shape called double helix.ĭNA is known for its ability to replicate. The bases are attached to a sugar molecule and phosphate molecule to form nucleotides. The nitrogen bases pair with each other (A pairs with T, C pairs with G) to form base pairs.
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DNA is present in the nucleus of each cell of the body and the genetic instructions are stored in the form of codes made of 4 nitrogen bases Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) and Thymine (T). These instructions are passed from one generation to the next generation. It contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. It is the hereditary material found in all living organisms.
#Dna stands for... full
Next → ← prev What is the full form of DNA DNA: Deoxyribonucleic AcidĭNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
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