Difference between DNA and RNA
Presented by Spencer Smallwood
DNA, What is it?
Lets start with the basics. What is the definition of DNA?
"A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms."
DNA is the key to growing and adapting to life.
So, What does DNA look like? Well, DNA looks like something called a double helix, you may not know what that is so think of it as a twisted railroad track.
So what does DNA do? DNA stores and keeps hold of genetic information. No cells could replicate with out it.
DNA holds the genetic information viable to cell reproduction. If anything happens to the genetic code, things could change.
DNA is located in the nucleus so the nucleus can tell where the code is needed and what cell needs to be made at the time.
RNA, What is it?
DNA and RNA go together.
Lets start with the basics again. What is the definition of RNA?
" RNA, single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. RNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis and sometimes in the transmission of genetic information "
The DNA is only the holder of the genetic code. The RNA transfers the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome. This prevents the DNA from leaving the nucleus, so its out of harms way if anything were to happen while traveling, also because the DNA is to big to leave the nucleus, so that is why the RNA is needed to transfer the genetic code. Without RNA, protiens could possibly never be made.
So, what does the RNA look like?
The best description of RNA is that it looks like a hairpin, as you can see in the picture.