a1.2.7 - DNA vs RNA

Question 1

compare and contrast the structure of DNA and RNA.

Answer 1

• both are nucleic acids formed through condensation of nucleotides. both DNA and RNA have a sugar-phosphate backbone.

RNA:
- ribose
- single stranded
- nitrogenous bases A, G, C, U
- complementary paring A-U, C-G

DNA:
- deoxyribose
- double stranded
- nitrogenous bases A, G, C, T
- complementary pairing A-T, C-G

Question 2

compare and contrast the functions of DNA and RNA

Answer 2

DNA:
- passes heredity information between generations of cells
- codes for making RNA during transcription

RNA:
- codes for making proteins during translation

Question 3

compare and contrast the location of DNA and RNA in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Answer 3

eukaryotic cells:
- both DNA and RNA are found in the nucleus
- DNA also in mitochondria and chloroplasts
- RNA also in cytoplasm and as part of ribosomes (free of bound to rough ER)

prokaryotic cells:
- both DNA and RNA are in the cytoplasm
- DNA is clumped in a region called the nucleoid