25 Top-Rated Difference between DNA and RNA with Comparison Table

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Nucleic acid is made up of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids are quite common in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Both tend to be polymers of nucleotides and they play an essential role in genetics.

The core difference between DNA and RNA is that RNA contains ribose sugars while DNA contains de-oxy-ribose. Besides that, RNA uses Uracil instead of thymine which is present in DNA. Let’s find out more:

DNA Meaning

DNA is an abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid and it tends to carry genetic information that is quite vital in living organisms.

DNA stranded are normally double-stranded. It tends to replicate and store genetic information. It is considered to be the blueprint for all genetic information in organisms.

The main nitrogenous base of DNA is thymine (T), guanine (G), cytosine(C), and adenine (A). They are crucial in determining the genetic code.

RNA Meaning

RNA is an abbreviation of ribonucleic acid. It is a nucleic acid that is directly involved in the synthesis of proteins.

The core function is to act as a messenger by conveying messenger from DNA to help in the control of protein synthesis.

RNA tends to contain sugar ribose, phosphates, and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

Comparison Chart: DNA vs RNA

Basic Terms	DNA	RNA
Stands For	Deoxyribonucleic Acid	Ribonucleic Acid
Sugar Portion	2-Deoxyribose	Ribose
Helix Geometry	B-Form (A or Z also present).	A-Form.
Predominant Structure	Double strand	Single strand
Length of Nucleotide Chain	Long-chain	Short Chain
Nitrogenous Base	Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.	Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
Propagation	Self-replication	Synthesized from DNA
Proportionality of Purine and Pyrimidine	Equal	Not proportional
Ultraviolet Damage	Highly affected by UV	Relatively resistant to UV damage
Hydrogen Bond	Between complementary bases of nitrogen such as (A-T, C-G).	Occurs in the coiled parts.
location	Nucleus and mitochondria	Nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosomes
Leaving	Does not leave the nucleus	Leave nucleus as mRNA
Stability	Fairly stable due to C-H bond	Unstable in alkaline condition
Renaturation after melting	Slow	Fast
Types	Occur in two types like intranuclear and extranuclear.	Occur in three types like m-RNA, t-RNA, and rRNA.
Fixed or Variable	Quantity is fixed	Quantity is variable
Lifespan	Long	Short
Core Function	Long term storage and transmission of genetic information	Transfer genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Base Pairs	Adenine and Thymine pair (A-T) Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)	Adenine and Uracil pair (A-U) Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)
Catalytic Activity	Do not have catalytic activity	Ribozymes are the main catalytic activity
The effect in alkaline solution	Stable	Unstable
Grooves	Comparatively smaller grooves	Comparatively larger grooves
Histone Proteins	Associated with it	Not associated at all
Pyronin Dye effect	Stain green	Stain red
Azureph Thalate Dye effect	Stain Blue	Stain red

Core Differences between DNA and RNA

DNA is an abbreviation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid while RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid.
The sugar portion of DNA is 2-Deoxyribose while that of RNA is Ribose.
The helix geometry of RNA is A-form while that of DNA is B-form
DNA is a double-stranded molecule while RNA is a single-stranded molecule
The propagation of DNA is self-replication while that of RNA is synthesized from DNA.
DNA is highly damaged by UV while RNA is relatively resistant to UV damage
DNA is present in mitochondria and nucleus while RNA is present in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and ribosomes.
DNA does not leave the nucleus while RNA tends to leave in the form of mRNA.

Core Similarities between DNA and RNA

Both act as genetic materials
Both are polymers of nucleotides
Both have pentose sugars
Both contain hydrogen bond

Comparison Video

Conclusion

Understanding the core difference between DNA and RNA with a comparison chart has made things easier. You can also use the point forms for deeper understanding and finer details. Good luck with your research and preparation for exams.