Differences between DNA and RNA

March 16, 2018

S.N	DNA	RNA
1.	It stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.	It stands for ribonucleic acid.
2.	It is double stranded except in some viruses.	It is single stranded exception some viruses.
3.	It is self-replicating.	It is synthesized from DNA or on as needed basis.
4.	The sugar portion of DNA is 2-deoxyribose.	The sugar portion of RNA is ribose sugar.
5.	Helix geometry of DNA is B form (A form or Z form also present).	Helix portion of RNA is A form.
6.	Long chains of nucleotides are present.	Shorter chains of nucleotides are present.
7.	Bases present are adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine.	Bases present are adenine, uracil, cytosine and guanine.
8.	Uracil is absent.	Uracil is present.
9.	Base pairing is A-T, C-G.	Base pairing is A-U, C-G.
10.	Length of DNA is quite large.	Length of RNA is short.
11.	It is susceptible to UV damage.	It is resistant to UV damage as compared to DNA.
12.	It can’t leave nucleus.	RNA leaves the nucleus.
13.	Purine is equal to pyrimidine.	Purine is not equal to pyrimidine.
14.	It is genetic material in some viruses and help in protein synthesis.	It is genetic material in all living organisms.
15.	It exists in many forms.	It exists in 3 different forms i.e. m-RNA, r-RNA and t-RNA.
16.	It is located in the nucleus and cytoplasm.	It is located in chromosomes and ribosomes.
17.	No catalytic activity.	Some are catalytically active.
18.	Resistant to alkali hydrolysis.	Highly susceptible to alkali hydrolysis.
19.	Bases are not modified. Image source: medicalnews	Bases are modified. Image source: scienceabc