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Multiple Choice
How are RNA and DNA different in terms of their sugar components?
A
RNA contains glucose sugar, while DNA contains fructose sugar.
B
RNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while DNA contains ribose sugar.
C
Both RNA and DNA contain the same sugar component.
D
RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the sugar component in RNA: RNA contains ribose sugar, which is a pentose sugar with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the 2' carbon.
Identify the sugar component in DNA: DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which is similar to ribose but lacks the hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon, having a hydrogen atom instead.
Understand the structural difference: The presence of the hydroxyl group in ribose makes RNA more reactive and less stable compared to DNA, which has deoxyribose.
Clarify the incorrect options: RNA does not contain glucose sugar, and DNA does not contain fructose sugar. These are monosaccharides not involved in the structure of nucleic acids.
Conclude with the correct answer: RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, highlighting the key difference in their sugar components.