RNA and DNA are similar because .a. both are double-stranded helices;b. uracil is found in both of them;c. both contain the sugar deoxyribose;d. both are made up of nucleotides consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of RNA and DNA. Both RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, which are made up of nucleotides. A nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.
2. Step 2: Identify the differences between RNA and DNA. DNA is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose. Uracil is a base found in RNA, while Thymine is a base found in DNA.
3. Step 3: Compare the options with the characteristics of RNA and DNA. Option a is incorrect because RNA is not double-stranded. Option b is incorrect because uracil is not found in DNA. Option c is incorrect because RNA does not contain the sugar deoxyribose.
4. Step 4: By process of elimination, the correct answer is option d. Both RNA and DNA are made up of nucleotides consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

Key Concepts

Nucleotides

Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, while in RNA, it is ribose. Understanding the structure of nucleotides is essential for comparing DNA and RNA.

Differences between DNA and RNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) differ in several key aspects. DNA is typically double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is usually single-stranded and contains ribose. Additionally, DNA uses thymine as a base, whereas RNA uses uracil. Recognizing these differences is crucial for understanding their functions in biological systems.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. This concept is fundamental for understanding the structure of DNA and RNA and their roles in genetic information storage and transfer.