What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Both DNA and RNA are nucleic acids. Both of them are composed of nucleotides, in which the main role of carbon sugar, phosphate and nitrogen base is played. While DNA is the carrier of genetic properties and provides the code for editing cellular functions, the role of RNA is to convert that code into proteins.

What is DNA?

DNA is an information carrier molecule. Like a memory chip, they store all the information related to the body and work to carry the genetic traits from one generation to the next. DNA stores instructions to make other large molecules called proteins. These instructions are stored in the chromosomes within the nucleus of each cell.

These chromosomes are made up of thousands of small pieces of DNA called genes. Each gene stores instructions for making a protein fragment, a whole protein, or a number of specific proteins.

What is the full form of DNA: Who discovered DNA?

The full form of DNA is Deoxyribonucleic acid. It was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Creek. Watson and Creek presented a model of DNA, which we call the double helix, in which two long strands looked like a twisting ladder.

Structure of DNA

DNA is present in the nucleus of a living cell in the form of chromosomes. Some amount of DNA is also found in mitochondria, which are called MT DNA or mitochondrial DNA. It is shaped like a curved staircase. A molecule of DNA is made up of four different components called nucleotides. These nucleotides are mainly composed of nitrogen. These nucleotides are called adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. Deoxyribose salt sugar is also found in it. A phosphate molecule attaches to these nucleotides. It contains a ring of cytosine and thymine called pyrimidine, while a ring of adenine and guanine is called purine.

Functions of DNA

DNA conducts all genetic activities. The major function of DNA is to encode the sequence of amino acid residues in proteins using the genetic code. In addition, it regulates protein synthesis. DNA polymers direct the production of other polymers called proteins.

What is RNA

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule that is essential in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes in various biological roles. It is actually a complex compound of high molecular weight that functions in cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA as the carrier of the genetic code in some viruses. RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, and together with lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, constitute the four major macromolecules required for all known forms of life. RNA is a fibrous molecule consisting of a single multiple nucleotide chain in which the phosphate and ribose sugar units are arranged in an alternate sequence. RNA works by copying the genes of DNA in the body to carry it widely. Along with this, RNA works to deliver other genetic material to the cells.

What is the full form of RNA: Who discovered RNA

The full form of RNA is ribose nucleic acid. RNA was discovered by Friedrich Meicher.

Structure of RNA

The formation of RNA consists of four nitrogenous bases attached to ribose, namely uracil, adenine, guanine, and cytosine. RNA consists of ribose nucleotides that form fibers of different lengths. Unlike DNA, RNA is made up of a single strand. Like DNA, most biologically active RNA's, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, sRNAs, and other non-coding RNA's, contain self-complementary sequences that allow parts of the RNA to be folded. And let the couple repeat themselves. Analysis of this RNA's shows that they are highly structured. Unlike DNA, their structures do not consist of long double helices (coiled turns), but rather a collection of short helices packed together in the structure of proteins.

What is the type of RNA

There are many types of RNA, three main ones are ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, and messenger RNA. The main function of RNA is to carry out protein synthesis. As mRNA, it provides a template for protein synthesis by the ribosome, with the sequence of amino acids corresponding to the sequence stored in the DNA. A ribosomal RNA makes up half of the ribosome structure(the other half being proteins) Simultaneously as transfer RNA, amino acids are synthesized to join the polypeptide chain into a single polypeptide chain. Additionally, some RNA have enzyme activity (ribosomes) and act as enzymes.

Epilogue

DNA and RNA are essential molecules for our life. These copy our genetic traits or help to create that copy. However, the structure of DNA and RNA is different from each other and their functions also differ. But overall, both of them together reach their objectives.