Which statement correctly describes a key difference between DNA and RNA?

• A. RNA and DNA have the same sugar and the same bases; they differ only in cellular location.
• B. RNA is usually double-stranded and uses thymine, whereas DNA is usually single-stranded and uses uracil.
• C. RNA typically contains ribose sugar and uracil, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and thymine.
• D. RNA stores genetic information long-term in chromosomes, whereas DNA functions primarily as a short-lived messenger to ribosomes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structural components of DNA and RNA, focusing on the sugar molecules present in each. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
2. Examine the nitrogenous bases found in DNA and RNA. DNA uses thymine as one of its bases, whereas RNA uses uracil instead of thymine.
3. Consider the typical strand structure of DNA and RNA. DNA is usually double-stranded forming a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded.
4. Review the functional roles of DNA and RNA in the cell. DNA primarily stores genetic information long-term, whereas RNA plays various roles including acting as a messenger and in protein synthesis.
5. Compare each given statement against these key differences to determine which one accurately describes the fundamental distinctions between DNA and RNA.