Which of the following is NOT a difference between $\mathrm{RNA}$ and $\mathrm{DNA}$?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structural components of RNA and DNA: RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar. This is a key difference between the two nucleic acids.
2. Examine the nitrogenous bases used in RNA and DNA: RNA uses uracil as a base, whereas DNA uses thymine. This is another fundamental difference.
3. Consider the typical structure of RNA and DNA strands: RNA is usually single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded. This structural difference is well-known.
4. Evaluate the stability of RNA and DNA under alkaline conditions: DNA is generally more stable than RNA under alkaline conditions due to the presence of the 2'-hydroxyl group in RNA, which makes it more prone to hydrolysis.
5. Determine which statement is NOT a difference: The statement 'RNA is more stable than DNA under alkaline conditions' is incorrect, as DNA is actually more stable. This is the statement that is NOT a difference between RNA and DNA.