Difference between DNA and RNA

DNA is a term that we use and hear very frequently. Be it for chemistry or forensic investigation, DNA has not only played an important role, but a very popular one too. RNA on the other hand has been a silent (and for many years, invisible) hero, for the same fields. Definitively, RNA and DNA are proteins. DNA has one less OH than the RNA. This, makes their structure a little bit different too.

Let's get started with the brass tacks. Several factors differentiate DNA from RNA.

Definitively speaking:
DNA is a nucleic acid, that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. RNA is a nucleic acid polymer, that plays an important role in the process that translates genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into protein products.

Job role and profile:
DNA is a medium of storing and transferring genetic information. RNA facilitates the transfer of messages from the DNA to the ribosomes (they are protein synthesis complex).

Physique and structure:
DNA is a double - strand molecule. It has a long chain of nucleotides. RNA is a single stranded molecule that has relatively shorter chains of nucleotides.

Location, location, location:
DNA is found in the nucleus, the genetic material and as sugar in the deoxiribose. RNA can be tracked in the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Base formation:
DNA is paired as A-T (Adenine-Thymine ) and G-C (Guanine-Cytosine). RNA is paired as A-U (Adenine-Uracil) and G-C (Guanine-Cytosine).

Stability factors:
Deoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive because they are governed by the C-H bonds. They are stable in alkaline conditions. They have smaller grooves where the damaging enzyme can attach itself. This makes it harder for the enzyme to attack DNA. Ribose sugar in RNA is more reactive, thanks to the C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. They are absolutely not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA has larger grooves which makes it easier to be attacked by enzymes (it is the weak-link!).

Geometric facts:
DNA has helix geometry of the B-form. RNA has helix geometry of the A-form.

USP's:
The body destroys enzymes that cleave DNA. Ultra-violet rays can severely damage the DNA. RNA strands are made, broken down and reused time and again. RNA is more resistant to damage by ultra-violet rays (alright, here RNA is not the weak-link!).

The characteristic difference in the two is the difference in the sugar present in both of them. DNA has deoxysibose sugar amd RNA has ribose sugar. The two of them differ on one single point that ribose sugar has one more OH as compared to deoxyribose sugar.

RNA and DNA are different from each other. Nonetheless, each is very important for the smooth functioning of the other. Whatever characteristics an individual has, are because of the composition of the storage in the DNA and the functioning of the RNA.

My basic attempt in this article was to give a generic understanding of these two complex elements, so that further research (if intended) is easier. Hopefully, by the end of the article the terms didn't seem to be in Greek and Latin!!