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Multiple Choice
Which monosaccharide is found in the structure of DNA, and which is found in RNA?
A
Galactose in DNA and mannose in RNA
B
Glucose in DNA and fructose in RNA
C
Ribose in DNA and deoxyribose in RNA
D
Deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA are polymers made up of nucleotides, each consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Identify the sugar component in DNA: DNA contains a sugar called deoxyribose. This sugar is a pentose, meaning it has five carbon atoms, and it lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose, hence the name 'deoxy'.
Identify the sugar component in RNA: RNA contains a sugar called ribose. Like deoxyribose, ribose is also a pentose sugar, but it has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon, which deoxyribose lacks.
Compare the sugars: The key difference between ribose and deoxyribose is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in ribose, which is absent in deoxyribose. This difference is crucial for the structural and functional distinctions between DNA and RNA.
Conclude the correct monosaccharides: Based on the structural differences, deoxyribose is the sugar found in DNA, and ribose is the sugar found in RNA.