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Multiple Choice
Which structural feature is unique to the sugar found in RNA compared to DNA?
A
The presence of an aldehyde group on the 1' carbon
B
The presence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon
C
The presence of a phosphate group on the 3' carbon
D
The presence of a methyl group on the 5' carbon
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the sugars present in RNA and DNA: RNA contains ribose, while DNA contains deoxyribose.
Examine the structural differences between ribose and deoxyribose: Ribose has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon, whereas deoxyribose lacks this hydroxyl group, having only a hydrogen atom at the 2' position.
Understand the significance of the 2' carbon: The presence of the hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in ribose is a key structural feature that distinguishes RNA from DNA.
Consider the options provided: Evaluate each option to determine which structural feature is unique to RNA's sugar.
Conclude that the presence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon is the unique feature of the sugar in RNA compared to DNA.