How is $\mathrm{RNA}$ different from $\mathrm{DNA}$ in terms of structure and function?

• A. $\mathrm{RNA}$ is more stable than $\mathrm{DNA}$ under alkaline conditions.
• B. $\mathrm{RNA}$ contains thymine, while $\mathrm{DNA}$ contains uracil.
• C. $\mathrm{RNA}$ contains ribose sugar, while $\mathrm{DNA}$ contains deoxyribose sugar.
• D. $\mathrm{RNA}$ is double-stranded, while $\mathrm{DNA}$ is single-stranded.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the sugar component in both RNA and DNA. RNA contains ribose sugar, which has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the 2' carbon of the sugar ring, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks this hydroxyl group at the 2' position, having only a hydrogen atom instead.
2. Examine the nitrogenous bases present in RNA and DNA. RNA contains uracil as one of its bases, whereas DNA contains thymine. This is a key difference in the nucleotide composition of these nucleic acids.
3. Consider the structural form of RNA and DNA. RNA is typically single-stranded, allowing it to fold into various shapes necessary for its functions, whereas DNA is usually double-stranded, forming the well-known double helix structure.
4. Evaluate the stability of RNA and DNA under different conditions. RNA is less stable than DNA under alkaline conditions due to the presence of the 2' hydroxyl group in ribose, which can participate in hydrolysis reactions.
5. Summarize the functional differences: RNA is primarily involved in protein synthesis and regulation of gene expression, acting as a messenger, whereas DNA serves as the long-term storage of genetic information.