Difference Between DNA and RNA

Published on 06-May-2023

Feature	DNA	RNA
Definition	DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information of an organism.	RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-stranded nucleic acid that carries genetic information from DNA and directs protein synthesis.
Structure	DNA has a double helix structure, consisting of two complementary strands of nucleotides that are held together by hydrogen bonds.	RNA has a single-stranded structure, consisting of a sequence of nucleotides that are linked by covalent bonds.
Nucleotides	DNA is made up of four types of nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).	RNA is made up of four types of nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U).
Sugar	The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which lacks an oxygen molecule on its second carbon.	The sugar in RNA is ribose, which has an oxygen molecule on its second carbon.
Stability	DNA is more stable than RNA, and is able to withstand a wider range of temperatures and chemical conditions.	RNA is less stable than DNA, and is more prone to degradation and damage.
Function	DNA stores and transmits genetic information, and serves as a blueprint for the synthesis of proteins.	RNA carries genetic information from DNA and directs protein synthesis.
Types	There is only one type of DNA in organisms.	There are three main types of RNA in organisms: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
Location	DNA is located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.	RNA is located in the cytoplasm of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Replication	DNA replication is a complex process that involves the unwinding of the double helix and the synthesis of two new complementary strands.	RNA replication is a simpler process that involves the synthesis of a single strand of RNA from a DNA template.
Transcription	DNA is transcribed into RNA by RNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides to the growing RNA strand according to the DNA template.	RNA is transcribed into proteins by ribosomes, which use the information in the mRNA sequence to synthesize a protein.
Stability	DNA is a stable molecule that can remain unchanged for long periods of time.	RNA is a less stable molecule that is more prone to degradation and damage.
Mutation	DNA mutations can occur through various mechanisms, including errors in replication and exposure to mutagenic agents.	RNA mutations can also occur, but are typically less significant than DNA mutations because RNA is often rapidly degraded and replaced.
Functionality	DNA is not functional on its own, but serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA and proteins.	RNA is functional on its own, and plays a critical role in protein synthesis and other cellular processes.
Gene Expression	DNA serves as the blueprint for gene expression, and determines the traits and characteristics of an organism.	RNA plays a critical role in gene expression by carrying the genetic information from DNA and directing protein synthesis.
Ribose	DNA does not contain ribose, but instead contains deoxyribose.	RNA contains ribose as its sugar molecule.