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Multiple Choice
How can nucleotides found in RNA be discriminated from those found in DNA?
A
RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.
B
RNA nucleotides have a deoxyribose sugar.
C
RNA nucleotides contain adenine instead of guanine.
D
RNA nucleotides are double-stranded.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of nucleotides: Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Identify the sugar component: In RNA, the sugar is ribose, whereas in DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose. This difference is crucial for distinguishing between RNA and DNA nucleotides.
Examine the nitrogenous bases: RNA contains the bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). DNA contains adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The presence of uracil in RNA instead of thymine is a key differentiator.
Consider the strand structure: RNA is typically single-stranded, whereas DNA is double-stranded. This structural difference can help in identifying the type of nucleic acid.
Clarify misconceptions: RNA nucleotides do not contain adenine instead of guanine, nor are they double-stranded. These statements are incorrect and should be disregarded when distinguishing RNA from DNA.