Learn about the difference between DNA and RNA.

Difference # Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA):

1. Except some viruses, RNA is non-genetic material taking part in protein synthesis.

2. RNA is found both in nucleus and cyto­plasm.

3. Usually single-stranded, in some viruses double stranded, e.g., in Reo viruses.

4. Three types – mRNA, rRNA and tRNA.

5. Sugar is present in ribose form.

6. The organic bases are Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C) and Uracil (U).

7. Base pairing : A=U / U=A; C ≡G / G≡C.

8. More unusual bases.

9. Base pairing is only in the helical region.

10. RNA consists of a fewer nucleotides.

11. On replication it forms DNA and on transcrip­tion forms RNA.

12. Genetic messages are encoded in DNA.

Difference # Ribonucleic Acid (RNA):

1. DNA is the genetic material, controlling heredity.

2. DNA is mainly found in the chromosome. Some DNA is also found in cytoplasm, i.e., in mitochondria and chloroplast.

3. Usually double-stranded, rarely single- stranded, e.g., in φ x 174.

4. DNA is only one type.

6. The organic bases are Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C).

7. Base pairing : A=T/T=A; G≡C/C≡G

8. Fewer unusual bases.

9. Base pairing is throughout the length of the molecule.

10. DNA consists of a large number of nucleotides.

11. Does not replicate or transcribe. In certain viruses, it can synthesize RNA chains.

12. Encoded messages in DNA are translated into protein through RNA.