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DNA vs. RNA definitions

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  • Uracil
    A nitrogenous base unique to RNA, replacing thymine and pairing with adenine during transcription.
  • Thymine
    A nitrogenous base found in DNA but absent in RNA, pairing with adenine in the double helix.
  • Single-stranded polymer
    A nucleic acid structure where nucleotides form a single chain, typical of most RNA molecules.
  • Double-stranded polymer
    A nucleic acid structure with two complementary chains, characteristic of DNA's double helix.
  • Double helix
    A stable, twisted ladder-like structure formed by two complementary DNA strands.
  • Hairpin
    A short RNA secondary structure where a sequence folds back and pairs with itself, forming a tight loop.
  • Stem loop
    A larger RNA secondary structure with a paired stem and an unpaired loop, contributing to 3D folding.
  • Ribozyme
    A catalytic RNA molecule capable of accelerating chemical reactions, unlike DNA.
  • Transfer RNA
    A type of RNA with a complex 3D shape, involved in protein synthesis and capable of forming loops.
  • Catalytic activity
    A functional property where certain RNA molecules accelerate biochemical reactions, a role not seen in DNA.
  • Three-dimensional structure
    A complex folding pattern in RNA, enabling unique shapes and functions beyond the double helix.
  • Nitrogenous base
    A molecular component of nucleic acids, including uracil and thymine, that pairs to encode genetic information.