DNA :
Deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA, is the molecule that carries the genetic material necessary for an organisms growth and operation. The structure of DNA is a double helix, which is made up of two connected strands that loop around one another to resemble a twisted ladder. Deoxyribose and phosphate groups alternately form the backbone of each strand. One of the four bases—adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine—is joined to each sugar (T). Adenine forms chemical bonds with thymine while cytosine forms chemical bonds with guanine to join the two strands together.
RNA :
All living cells contain ribonucleic acid (abbreviated RNA), a nucleic acid with properties comparable to those of DNA. However, RNA is often single-stranded, unlike DNA. Instead of the deoxyribose present in DNA, the backbone of an RNA molecule is made up of alternating phosphate groups and the sugar ribose. Each sugar has one of the four bases adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine attached to it (G). Cells contain a variety of RNA types, including transfer RNA, messenger RNA, and ribosomal RNA (tRNA). Additionally, certain RNAs control the expression of genes. RNA serves as the genomic material for several viruses.
Difference between RNA and DNA :
1. While RNA directly codes for amino acids and functions as a genetic information carrier between DNA and ribosomes to produce proteins, DNA is in charge of storing and transmitting genetic information.
2. RNA is a single-stranded molecule in contrast to the double-stranded nature of DNA.
3. Deoxyribose, a sugar, is found in DNA, whereas ribose is found in RNA.
4. Adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine are the bases used in DNA, while adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine are used in RNA.
5. RNA is not stable in an alkaline environment, whereas DNA is stable.