BIO 12 UNIT 1: STUDY NOTES

DNA VS RNA

• Structure:

Similarities:

• Nucleic Acids
• Polymers of nucleotide monomers
• Macromolecules

Differences:

• DNA is double-stranded and larger
• RNA is single-stranded and smaller
• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid
• Deocyribose sugar
• RNA: Ribonucleic acid
• Ribose sugar
• DNA has the nitrogenous base of THYMINE which bonds with Adenine
• RNA has the nitrogenous base of URACIL which bonds with Adenine
• Differences in function:
• DNA:
• Located in nucleus
• Contains genetic information
• Template for RNA
• Vital for functionality of cell (controls what happens, what proteins should be made [enzymes])
• RNA:
• Formed in nucleus
• Copies DNA genetic code and delivers material around cell and to specific organelles where the specific processes such as PROTEIN SYNTHESIS may occur (here also is where RNA holds the code to make a specific sequence of amino acids --> POLYPEPTIDE)
• Here is a great video explaining the major similarities and differences of RNA and DNA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxFNLvl1JOo