Genetic material or heredity factors are information held in every cell of a living creature that can be passed on to its offspring. In a DNA sequence there are commands that can determine characteristics or influence living things.
In general, all genetic information is stored in DNA which is located in the cell nucleus. DNA becomes quite long strands that are arranged in the small cell nucleus, where the DNA strands are wrapped around proteins called histone proteins.
DNA and RNA are parts that have an important role as genetic material in living things. There are a number of differences between DNA and RNA that need to be known and understood. The differences between DNA and RNA can be seen functionally and structurally. Where these differences relate to structure, composition, function and reactivity.
Knowing the differences between DNA and RNA can help to dissect their role in genetics. Even though there are differences between DNA and RNA, the two molecules can work together and fulfill their main roles.
This article will explain everything you need to know regarding DNA and RNA. Where it will be explained starting from the meaning, benefits, differences and similarities. Happy reading!
Understanding DNA and RNA
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that makes up genes in the cell nucleus. DNA stores all the biological information of all living things and some viruses. DNA consists of two polynucleotide chains arranged in a double helix where each nucleotide consists of three components, namely phosphate, deoxyribose sugar and nitrogen bases.
There are two types of nitrogen bases that make up DNA, namely purine bases consisting of adenine (A) and guanine (G) and pyrimidine bases consisting of thymine (T) and cytosine (S). These two DNA chains are linked to each other at the nitrogen bases which are connected by hydrogen bonds. The nitrogen base A is bonded to T, while G is bonded to S. Between the nitrogen bases A and T can be connected by 2 hydrogen bonds, while between G and S they can be connected by 3 hydrogen bonds.
RNA or ribonucleic acid is a polynucleotide macromolecule, namely in the form of a single or double chain that is not twisted. RNA chains are short, because they are formed from the transcription of fragments from DNA. RNA can be found in the cytoplasm or ribosomes.
The presence of RNA in cells does not persist because it is easily broken down and must be reformed. RNA can be composed of many ribonucleotides which consist of 3 components, namely phosphate, ribose sugar and nitrogen bases.
RNA nitrogen bases consist of purine base components, namely adenine (A) and guanine (G), as well as pyrimidine base components, namely uracil (U) and cytosine (S). The nitrogen base components will form pairs A – U and G – S where adenine and uracil will be connected with the help of 2 hydrogen bonds, while guanine and will be connected with the help of 3 hydrogen bonds.
RNA can be divided into two types, namely genetic RNA is RNA which plays a role in inheriting traits and is only found in RNA viruses, while non-genetic RNA is RNA which plays a role in protein synthesis.
DNA and RNA both carry genetic information. DNA and RNA are the most important molecules in biology. Both have responsibilities related to reading and storing genetic information.
Difference between DNA and RNA
What are the differences between DNA and RNA? There are several differences between DNA and RNA, namely as follows:
1. Differences in terms of function
The difference between DNA and RNA in terms of function is that DNA functions to replicate and store genetic information. DNA is the blueprint for all the genetic information contained in an organism, only in the short term. In the long term, DNA becomes a storage device, like a biological flash drive that contains the blueprint of life so that it can be passed down between generations.
Meanwhile, RNA has the function of converting the genetic information contained in DNA into a format used to build proteins, then transferring it to the ribosomal protein factory. In addition, RNA has a function as a reader that translates flash drives from DNA.
In the reading process, there are special RNAs with their respective tasks. The RNA is as follows:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA), functions to copy parts of the genetic code, namely the process of transcription, and transports these copies to ribosomes, which are cellular factories facilitating the production of proteins from this code.
- Transfer RNA (tRNA), is responsible for carrying amino acids to make basic proteins, to be sent to protein factories in response to coded instructions introduced by mRNA. This process of protein formation is called translation.
- Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosomal factory itself, where protein production occurs.
2. Differences in terms of constituent components
RNA molecules have the form of short chains such as single ribbons or double ribbons that are not twisted. Meanwhile, the DNA molecule has the shape of a long chain like a double helix.
RNA consists of a single chain of polynucleotides. Each RNA nucleotide consists of three components, namely a phosphate group, ribose sugar and a nitrogen base composed of pyrimidines and purines. Meanwhile, DNA is composed of a series of nucleotides consisting of a phosphate group, pentose sugar, and one nitrogen base in the form of a purine or pyrimidine.
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3. Differences in terms of location
The difference between DNA and RNA in terms of location is that DNA can be found in the nucleus, and in small amounts it is found in mitochondria. Eukaryotic cells, including all animal and plant cells, house most of their DNA in the nucleus in tightly compressed forms, called chromosomes.
This compressed format makes DNA easy to store and transfer. In addition to nuclear DNA, there is some DNA in energy-producing mitochondria, small organelles that can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm, the area of the cell outside the nucleus.
Meanwhile, RNA is formed in the nucleus, which then moves to a special area of the cytoplasm, depending on the type of RNA formed. Three types of RNA can be found in different locations. The mRNA is formed in the nucleus, where it is copied from relative pieces of DNA, before leaving the nucleus for the cytoplasm.
Then, these fragments are transported around the cell as needed, driven by the cell’s internal transportation system, namely the cytoskeleton. tRNA molecules can move freely around the cytoplasmic area. When it receives a signal from the ribosome, it will hunt down the amino acid subunits in the cytoplasm and then take them to the ribosome to be converted into protein.
rRNA can be found in parts of ribosomes. Ribosomes are formed in the nucleolus, before being sent to the cytoplasm, where some ribosomes will float freely. Other cytoplasmic ribosomes will be attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, which is a membrane structure to help process proteins and send them to cells.
4. Differences in terms of damage
In general, when exposed to ultraviolet light, DNA molecules will become more susceptible to damage compared to RNA which is relatively more resistant when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Every day it is possible that DNA will experience damage, but the body has a mechanism to continue to repair this damage and damage that cannot be repaired can trigger mutations.
Damage to DNA can cause normal cells to develop into cancer cells. Carrying out a DNA test is one way to prevent and determine treatment. The procedure can help in the diagnosis of genetic disorders that run in families.
5. Differences in terms of replication
By means of replication assisted by the DNA polymerase enzyme, DNA can make itself. Meanwhile, RNA cannot replicate itself. Because RNA is synthesized by DNA with the help of the RNA polymerase enzyme, when it is used, needed, degraded and recycled because it is unstable to bases.
6. Differences in terms of reactivity
The next difference between DNA and RNA is in terms of reactivity. DNA has CH bonds which make it quite stable, besides that there are also enzymes that destroy the body. The small bend in the helix has a protective function, providing minimal space for enzymes to attach.
Meanwhile, RNA has OH bonds in ribose which can make the molecule more reactive, compared to DNA. Under alkaline conditions, RNA becomes unstable and the large grooves in the molecule make it more vulnerable to enzyme attack. RNA is constantly produced, used, degraded, and recycled
7. Differences in Sugar Composition
DNA and RNA are composed of sugar, but the sugar in DNA is called deoxyribose, while the sugar in RNA is called ribose. The difference between ribose and deoxyribose is that ribose has one more –OH group than deoxyribose, which has -H attached to the second carbon (2′) in the ring.
8. Differences in Base Composition
The next difference between DNA and RNA is in their base composition. In DNA nitrogen bases are the basic units of the genetic code, and their correct arrangement and pairing is important for biological function. The four bases that make up this code are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Bases pair in a double helix structure, these pairs are A and T, and C and G.
DNA and RNA have possibly the same nitrogen bases. Both contain cytosine, the bases adenine and guanine. However, DNA uses a fourth base called thymine. Meanwhile, the fourth base of RNA uses uracil which does not have a methyl group.
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Similarities between DNA and RNA
There are several similarities between these two molecules, what are the similarities? The following are the similarities between DNA and RNA that need to be known and understood, namely as follows:
1. General Components
DNA and RNA are both nucleic acid macromolecules. DNA and RNA are both made from long chains of nucleotide collections or polynucleotide chains
2. General Structure
The structure of DNA and RNA consists of sugar-phosphate bonds, carbon-pentose sugar bridges, and pairs of nitrogen bases connected by hydrogen bonds.
3. Nitrogen Base Pairs
Purine nitrogen bases can be found in DNA and RNA. Apart from that, the adenine base contained will always pair with the guanine base.
4. Formation
The formation of DNA and RNA is similar in that it is carried out by the polymerase enzyme which is divided into two types and functions, namely DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase. DNA and RNA can be simultaneously precipitated using an alcohol solution.Benefits of DNA and RNA
The existence of DNA and RNA turns out to have many benefits for the body. DNA has the benefit of carrying information needed in the body for development and reproduction. In this process, RNA will be formed as a copy of DNA to convert amino acids into protein. Apart from carrying genetic material, DNA and RNA also have medicinal benefits. Here are some benefits you need to know.
1. Play a role in making vaccines
DNA and RNA have benefits in the process of creating DNA vaccines. This DNA vaccine has been tried to prevent several infectious and malignant diseases. It is said that the DNA vaccine is not as optimal as many people hoped, but the DNA vaccine is a breakthrough for important progress in the field of vaccinology.
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2. Handling Health and Mental Problems
DNA and RNA can be produced in the laboratory for treatment. The combination of these two acids has benefits for treating mental health problems. Examples are as follows:
- To improve a person’s memory and mental sharpness.
- To treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- To treat mental health problems such as depression or depressed mood.
- To treat skin problems.
- Can tighten the skin.
- Can counteract the effects of aging.
Currently, researchers are still continuing to study and look for other benefits of DNA and RNA for advances in the field of medicine. It is hoped that this research will be successful and have wider benefits.
That is a complete explanation of DNA and RNA which have interrelated functions. Even though they look similar, there are several differences between DNA and RNA, ranging from shape, location, levels to composition. Apart from that, there are also benefits from DNA and RNA which are used for treatment.
There are many things about health that are tailored to a person’s DNA. So, it is important for us to know the body’s DNA so that we can maintain optimal body health.
This book will be easy for children to understand and can be a perfect bedtime story. Using large letter formats with simple words, this book is suitable as a good training tool for children learning to read.
Genes in the human body can be turned on or off like the ON-OFF switch on a light switch. It turns out that humans can turn on good genes and turn off bad genes according to their needs.
This is an article that explains the meaning and differences between DNA and RNA. Hopefully all the discussion above is useful for you, OK? Mudalovers can read complete books about DNA and RNA by accessing Mudabicara.com to get them. Mudabicara always provides information.