Erwin L.

Lucena
BS Electrical Engineering
Application for Studypool Tutor

Compare the structures and functions of DNA and RNA.

DNA and RNA are the two types of nucleic acids found in our body. These are
responsible for determining who we are - both physically and psychologically. I've been
encountering this kind of question since when I was in the middle school and all I can say
basically is that DNA is a double stranded nucleic acid while RNA is a single stranded nucleic
acid. The two molecules are distinct in terms of its structures, functions and roles to our body. As
what I've said, DNA is a double helix and RNA is just a single one. These two molecules are
composed of nucleotides but RNA is shorter than DNA. The most common thing between the
two is that they have both NA on their names. The DNA is generally the deoxyribonucleic acid
and the RNA is the ribonucleic acid. DNA is deoxyribose which means it has only one less than
hydroxyl group while RNA contains ribose sugar. The other interesting idea between these two
is their bases. DNA has the bases of Adenine which is paired to Thymine and Cytosine which is
paired to Guanine. RNA also has bases similar to DNA except Thymine. In RNA, Thymine base
is being replaced by Uracil. So, Adenine is paired to Uracil and Cytosine is paired to Guanine. In
terms of the functions of each nucleic acid, DNA generally works as the storage of genetic
material of information of who we are biologically. The process of DNA replication is essential
to make copy of itself to produce more DNA molecules. In engineering, we have the blueprint
that shows the layout or design of a particular project. In DNA, it is also a blueprint showcasing
the design of our being. Next is the RNA, its functions is quite different from DNA. It shows that
RNA is responsible for converting the genetic material produced by the DNA to build proteins.
The so-called protein synthesis is essential for RNA systematic functions. These are just the
basic idea of the two types of nucleic acids showcasing the basic comparison and function to
make up the best design of ourselves.

Reference

Mackenzie R.J. (2020, December 18). DNA vs. RNA – 5 Key Differences and Comparison.

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

differences-between-dna-and-rna-296719