RNA differs from DNA in three aspects. First, the backbone of RNA contains ribose rather than 2’-deoxyribose. That is, ribose has a hydroxyl group at the 2’-position. Second, RNA contains uracil in place of thymine. Uracil has the same single-ringed structure as thymine, except that it lacks the 5’-methyl group. Thymine is in effect 5’-methyl-uracil. Third, RNA is usually found as a single polynucleotide chain. Except for the case of certain viruses, RNA is not the genetic material and does not need to be capable of serving as a template for its own replication.
This slight difference has a powerful effect on some properties of the RNA molecule, especially on its stability. For example, RNA is destroyed under alkaline conditions while DNA is stable. Although the DNA strands will separate, they will remain intact and capable of renaturation when the pH is lowered again. However, under such conditions, RNA will quickly be destroyed.
It is usually described as single stranded, but only because the complementary strand is not normally made. There is nothing inherent in the structure of RNA that prevents it forming a double-stranded structure: an RNA strand will pair with (hybridize to) a complementary RNA strand, or with a complementary strand of DNA. Even a single strand of RNA will fold back on itself to form double stranded regions. In particular, transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) both form complex patterns of base-paired regions.
Structural components of RNA
Phosphoric Acid
The molecular formula of phosphoric acid is H3PO4. It contains 3 monovalent hydroxyl groups and a divalent oxygen atom, all linked to the pentavalent phosphorus atom.
Pentose Sugar
It contains D-ribose, hence the name ribose nucleic acid or ribouncleic acid. This sugars in nucleic acids are present in the furanose form and are of β configuration. Ribose reacts with orcinol in hydrochloric acid solution containing ferric chloride.
Nitrogenous Bases
Uracil (C4H4O2N2), found in RNA molecules only, is a white, crystalline pyrimidine base with MW = 112.10 daltons and a m.p. 338°C.
Cytosine (C4H5ON3), found in both RNA and DNA, is a white crystalline substance, with MW = 111.12 daltons and a m.p. 320-325°C.
Adenine (C5H5N5), found in both RNA and DNA, is a white crystalline purine base, with MW = 135.15 daltons and a m.p. 360-365°C.
Guanine (C5H5ON5), also found in both RNA and DNA, is a colourless, insoluble crystalline substance, with MW = 151.15 daltons.
Common Forms of RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA)- Moves genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome, a product of transcription
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)- A structural component of the ribosome
Transfer RNA (tRNA)- Involved in the process of translation
Small nuclear RNA (snRNA)- RNA processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nitrogenous bases are present in RNA?
The nitrogenous bases present in RNA are adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine.
What is the difference between sugar present in RNA from sugar present in DNA?
DNA consists of deoxyribose sugar while in RNA ribose sugar is present. Ribose sugar has a hydroxyl group on one of the carbon atoms while deoxyribose sugar has hydrogen on that carbon atom.
How is RNA structure different from DNA structure?
DNA is found in the form of a double-stranded helix. On the other hand, RNA is single-stranded and usually wraps on itself.
What is the structural unit of RNA?
The structural unit of RNA is a nucleotide. It consists of a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and ribose sugar.