What are DNA and RNA?
DNA and RNA are the genetic material that is found in every living cell. These compounds are
responsible for cell reproduction and production of proteins necessary for life. While each of these
compounds carries information coded by genes, they differ in a number of ways.
Structural differences
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. DNA, thus, carries a
deoxyribose sugar and RNA contains a ribose sugar.
DNA is composed of several types of nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine. RNA
contains nitrogenous bases similar to DNA, but does not contain thymine. It contains uracil instead.
Both DNA and RNA are sugars that are linked to a nitrogen compound at one end and a phosphorus
group at the other. However, DNA generally consists of two strands wound together to form a double
helix. RNA is typically single-stranded.
Functional difference between DNA and RNA
DNA is responsible for storing the genetic information and is found in the nucleus of the cell. When not
in use, strands of DNA wind up tightly and form chromosomes.
RNA is found in other parts of the cell (e.g., mitochondria) and are responsible for taking information
present on DNA and turning it into something functional, by coding for various proteins through the
process of transcription.
For example, a strand of DNA may dictate an individual has blue-eyed genes. This information is taken
from the DNA by the RNA, which is responsible for creating the blue pigment proteins necessary to
express these genes.
Structure of RNA
RNA is a ribonucleic acid that helps in the synthesis of proteins in our body. This nucleic acid is
responsible for the production of new cells in the human body. It is usually obtained from the DNA
molecule. RNA resembles the same as that of DNA, the only difference being that it has a single strand
unlike the DNA which has two strands and it consists of an only single ribose sugar molecule in it. Hence
is the name Ribonucleic acid. RNA is also referred to as an enzyme as it helps in the process of chemical
reactions in the body.
Basic Structure of RNA
The ribonucleic acid has all the components same to that of the DNA with only 2 main differences within
it. RNA has the same nitrogen bases called the adenine, Guanine, Cytosine as that of the DNA except for
the Thymine which is replaced by the uracil. Adenine and uracil are considered as the major building
blocks of RNA and both of them form base-pair with the help of 2 hydrogen bonds.
RNA resembles a hairpin structure and like the nucleotides in DNA, nucleotides are formed in this
ribonucleic material(RNA). Nucleosides are nothing but the phosphate groups which sometimes also
helps in the production of nucleotides in the DNA
Functions of RNA
The ribonucleic acid – RNA, which are mainly composed of nucleic acids, are involved in a variety of
functions within the cell and are found in all living organisms including bacteria, viruses, plants, and
animals. These nucleic acid functions as a structural molecule in cell organelles and are also involved in
the catalysis of biochemical reactions. The different types of RNA are involved in various cellular process.
The primary functions of RNA:
• Facilitate the translation of DNA into proteins
• Functions as an adapter molecule in protein synthesis
• Serves as a messenger between the DNA and the ribosomes.
• They are the carrier of genetic information in all living cells
• Promotes the ribosomes to choose the right amino acid which is required in building up of new
proteins in the body.
RNA Types
There are various types of RNA, out which most well-known and most commonly studied in the human
body are :
tRNA – Transfer RNA
The transfer RNA is held responsible for choosing the correct protein or the amino acids required by the
body in-turn helping the ribosomes. It is located at the endpoints of each amino acid. This is also called
as soluble RNA and it forms a link between the messenger RNA and the amino acid.
rRNA-Ribosomal RNA
The rRNA is the component of the ribosome and are located within the in the cytoplasm of a cell, where
ribosomes are found. In all living cells, the ribosomal RNA plays a fundamental role in the synthesis and
translation of mRNA into proteins. The rRNA is mainly composed of cellular RNA and are the most
predominant RNA within the cells of all living beings.
mRNA – Messenger RNA.
This type of RNA functions by transferring the genetic material into the ribosomes and pass the
instructions about the type of proteins, required by the body cells. Based on the functions, these types
of RNA is called the messenger RNA. Therefore, the mRNA plays a vital role in the process of
transcription or during the protein synthesis process.