1. Sugar:
* DNA: Contains deoxyribose sugar
* RNA: Contains ribose sugar (with an extra hydroxyl group)
2. Bases:
* DNA: Contains adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)
* RNA: Contains adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U) – uracil replaces thymine
3. Structure:
* DNA: Typically double-stranded, forming a helix
* RNA: Typically single-stranded, although it can fold into complex 3D structures
4. Function:
* DNA: Stores genetic information
* RNA: Involved in protein synthesis, gene regulation, and other cellular processes
Here's a simple way to remember the differences:
* DNA has deoxyribose sugar and Thymine
* RNA has ribose sugar and Uracil
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these differences!
