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Multiple Choice
Which component of an RNA nucleotide makes it more prone to hydrolysis than DNA?
A
The presence of a 2'-hydroxyl group on the ribose sugar
B
The absence of a 3'-hydroxyl group
C
The presence of uracil instead of thymine
D
The phosphodiester bond
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of RNA and DNA nucleotides. Both consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
Identify the key structural difference between ribose and deoxyribose. Ribose has a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 2' position, whereas deoxyribose lacks this group, having only a hydrogen atom at the 2' position.
Consider the chemical reactivity of the 2'-hydroxyl group in RNA. This group can act as a nucleophile, making RNA more susceptible to hydrolysis, especially under alkaline conditions.
Evaluate the role of the 2'-hydroxyl group in the stability of RNA compared to DNA. The presence of this group in RNA leads to increased hydrolysis, which is not the case for DNA due to the absence of the 2'-hydroxyl group.
Conclude that the presence of the 2'-hydroxyl group on the ribose sugar in RNA is the component that makes RNA more prone to hydrolysis than DNA.