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COMPARING THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF DNA AND RNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are two main classes of

nucleic acids - macromolecules essentially found in all life forms. Both bear similarities, as well

as distinctions that coexist in fulfilling their essential roles.

DNA is responsible for storing and replicating genetic information. It is basically the

genetic blueprint contained within organisms that can be passed onto succeeding generations.

RNA, on the other hand, acts as the messenger between the DNA and the ribosomes. It can be

classified into three types: messenger RNA (mRNA), whose function is to copy and transport

portions of the genetic code to ribosomes; transfer RNA (tRNA), whose responsible for carrying

amino acids - basic protein building blocks - to these protein factories; and lastly, ribosomal

RNA (rRNA), a component of the ribosome itself that is vital to protein production (Mackenzie,

2020).

Among other comparisons, these nucleic acids are also comparable in structure. To begin

with, DNA is composed of two strands of nucleotides arranged in a double helix. Each

nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and at least one phosphate group

(OpenStax College, 2015). Meanwhile, RNA contains a shorter, single-strand helix, yet similarly

made of nucleotides.  
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REFERENCES:

Mackenzie, R. J. (Ed.). (2020, December 18). Dna vs. rna – 5 key differences and comparison.

Genomics Research from Technology Networks.

https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-differences-

between-dna-and-rna-296719.

Minchin, S., & Lodge, J. (2019). Understanding biochemistry: structure and function of nucleic

acids. Essays in biochemistry, 63(4), 433–456. https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20180038

Nucleic Acids. OpenStax CNX. (2014, October 30). http://cnx.org/contents/cb178029-ce17-

4c82-aa11-94a2acf4accf@8.