Name: Grade and Section: Date:

Learning Competency:
Explain how protein is made using information from DNA (S10LTIIIc-37)

Activity # 1 - Getting to Know the DNA and RNA Structure

Objective:
Compare the structures of the DNA and RNA molecule

Materials:
DNA and RNA pictures

Procedure:

1. Read the given information carefully about DNA and RNA.

Nucleic acids are macromolecules or biopolymers. Moreover, they are the building
blocks of genetic material of an organism. They are comprised of nucleotide chains linked
via phosphodiester bonds between 5′ phosphate group of one nucleotide and the 3′-OH
group of the adjacent nucleotide. Accordingly, there are two types of nucleic acids namely
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) which are vital compounds in living
organisms. A nucleotide is the basic unit of the nucleic acids. Accordingly, the
deoxyribonucleotide is the building block of DNA while the ribonucleotide is the building
block of RNA. Structurally, there are three components in a nucleotide. They are a pentose
sugar, phosphate group and a nitrogenous base. These components differ between two
major types of nucleic acids. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar whereas RNA contains ribose
sugar.

What is DNA Structure?

Deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic material of all eukaryotes and some prokaryotes.
Hence, it contains the genetic information that requires for the overall functioning of an
organism. DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell. . Structurally, DNA consists of two strands,
arranged in a double helix. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. Each
deoxynucleotide has three components; deoxyribose sugar, a nitrogenous base (adenine,
guanine, cytosine and thymine) and a phosphate group.

Figure 01: DNA Structure

 Hydrogen bonds link the two strands of the DNA. Here, the hydrogen bonds occur
between nitrogenous bases. Adenine links with thymine by two hydrogen bonds while
cytosine binds with guanine by three hydrogen bonds. In the DNA helix, phosphate and
sugar moieties are situated on the outside of the helix whereas the bases remain in the
interior of the helix. Also, the two strands of DNA run in opposite directions. DNA is found in
the nucleus, with a small amount of DNA also present in mitochondria.

What is RNA Structure?

Ribonucleic acid or RNA is the second type of nucleic acid present in many living
organisms. RNA converts the genetic information contained within DNA to build proteins.
The genetic information hidden in the DNA molecule is converted into a mRNA molecule
through transcription. Once the transcription completes, mRNA molecule leaves the nucleus
and travels into the cytoplasm for translation. At the end of this process, it yields a protein.

Furthermore, RNA, for the most part, exists as a single strand, but it can form several
structural features due to the complementary base pairing within the single strand. Besides,
the RNA composes ribonucleotides. Ribonucleotides consist of the ribose sugar, a
phosphate group and a nitrogenous base. Four nitrogenous bases present in RNA are

adenine, uracil, cytosine and guanine.

Figure 02: RNA Structure

Guide Questions:

1. Complete the following table to describe the structure and functions of DNA and RNA

Table 1- DNA chart

DNA

Function DNA replicates and stores genetic information. It is a

blueprint for all genetic information contained within
an organism.
Number of strands
Location in the cell
Type of Sugar
Nitrogenous Bases
Table 2- RNA chart
Function
Number of strands
Location in the cell
Type of Sugar
Nitrogenous Bases
2. Using a Venn diagram, list down the similarities and differences of DNA and
RNA.
DNA
Double stranded
Structured into chromosomes
Deoxyribose
Uses thymine
Is read by polymerases
Stores genetic information
Can self-replicate
Can last for a long time
Is read 3’->5’
DNA is structured as a double helix, with two
strands of DNA winding around.
DNA is found in the nucleus, with a small amount of
DNA also present in mitochondria.
The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which contains
one less hydroxyl group than RNA’s ribose.
The bases in DNA are Adenine (‘A’), Thymine (‘T’),
Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’).
RNA
RNA converts the genetic information contained
within DNA to a format used to build proteins, and
then moves it to ribosomal protein factories.
DNA is structured as a double helix, with two
strands of DNA winding around
RNA forms in the nucleolus, and then moves to
specialised regions of the cytoplasm depending on
the type of RNA formed.
RNA contains ribose sugar molecules, without the
hydroxyl modifications of deoxyribose.
RNA shares Adenine (‘A’), Guanine (‘G’) and
Cytosine (‘C’) with DNA, but contains Uracil (‘U’)
rather than Thymine.
RNA
Single stranded
Ribose
Uses A, C Modified 5’ cap and 3’ poly A tail
And G. Uses uracil
Stores info about protein
structure
Has sugar
Read by ribosomes
+ phosphate
Can have multiple structures
backbone
Does not usually last
for a long time
Is formed in 5’->3’