Multiple Choice
Which type of RNA is hypothesized to have played a crucial role in the origin of life due to its ability to catalyze chemical reactions and store genetic information?
34. Nucleic Acids
Intro to Nucleic Acids
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Which of the following is not one of the main differences between DNA and RNA?
A
DNA is more stable than RNA due to the absence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon.
B
DNA uses uracil as a base, while RNA uses thymine.
C
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
D
DNA is typically double-stranded, whereas RNA is usually single-stranded.
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by identifying the structural differences between DNA and RNA. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar. This difference is due to the presence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in ribose, which is absent in deoxyribose.
Consider the stability of DNA versus RNA. DNA is more stable than RNA because the absence of the hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in DNA reduces its reactivity, making it less prone to hydrolysis.
Examine the base pairing differences. DNA uses thymine as one of its bases, while RNA uses uracil. This is a key distinction in the nucleotide composition of these molecules.
Analyze the structural form of these nucleic acids. DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, whereas RNA is usually single-stranded, allowing it to fold into various shapes and perform different functions.
Review the options provided in the problem. The statement 'DNA uses uracil as a base, while RNA uses thymine' is incorrect because it reverses the actual base usage in DNA and RNA. Therefore, this is not a main difference between DNA and RNA.
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