Lecture Note: Structure and Properties
of DNA and RNA
1. Introduction
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid) are nucleic acids, biological
macromolecules essential for genetic information storage, transfer, and expression. Both
are composed of nucleotides but differ in structure, function, and chemical properties.
2. Basic Components of Nucleic Acids
Each nucleotide (the monomer of nucleic acids) consists of:
• A nitrogenous base
- Purines: Adenine (A), Guanine (G)
- Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C), Thymine (T in DNA), Uracil (U in RNA)
• A five-carbon sugar
- Deoxyribose in DNA
- Ribose in RNA
• A phosphate group
3. Structure of DNA
3.1 Double Helix Model
• Proposed by Watson and Crick (1953)
• Two strands form a right-handed double helix
• Strands are antiparallel (run in opposite 5’ to 3’ directions)
• Bases pair by hydrogen bonds:
- Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) – 2 H-bonds
- Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C) – 3 H-bonds
3.2 Features
• Sugar-phosphate backbone on the outside
• Bases on the inside form complementary pairs
• Major and minor grooves allow protein binding
• Stable structure, capable of self-replication
4. Structure of RNA
4.1 Single-Stranded Molecule
• Typically single-stranded (some regions form double-stranded structures via base
pairing)
• Contains ribose sugar
• Uses Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T)
4.2 Types of RNA
• mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes
• tRNA (transfer RNA): Delivers amino acids during protein synthesis
• rRNA (ribosomal RNA): Structural and functional component of ribosomes
• snRNA, miRNA, siRNA: Involved in gene regulation and RNA processing
5. Comparison of DNA and RNA
Feature DNA RNA
Sugar Deoxyribose Ribose
Bases A, T, G, C A, U, G, C
Structure Double-stranded helix Single-stranded (often
folded)
Stability Very stable Less stable
Location Nucleus (mainly) Nucleus & Cytoplasm
Function Genetic information storage Protein synthesis &
regulation
6. Properties of DNA and RNA
6.1 DNA
• High molecular weight
• Double-stranded with complementary base pairing
• Stable under alkaline conditions
• Capable of replication and repair
6.2 RNA
• Lower molecular weight
• Single-stranded with variable structure
• Less stable, rapidly degraded by RNases
• Capable of catalytic activity (ribozymes)
7. Conclusion
DNA and RNA are vital macromolecules in all forms of life. Their structural differences
support their distinct roles: DNA as the stable genetic blueprint and RNA as the dynamic
molecule that decodes and regulates genetic information.