Question

What are the main differences between RNA and DNA? Select all that apply.
RNA is usually single-stranded, not double-stranded.
RNA contains sulfate groups instead of phosphate groups.
RNA has a nitrogenous base called uracil instead of thymine.
The 5-carbon sugar in RNA is ribose instead of deoxyribose.

Answer 1

Correct selections: 1, 3, and 4.

- RNA is usually single-stranded, not double-stranded — true (although RNA can form double-stranded regions or some viruses have dsRNA).
- RNA contains sulfate groups instead of phosphate groups — false (both DNA and RNA have phosphate groups in their backbone).
- RNA has a nitrogenous base called uracil instead of thymine — true (RNA uses uracil; DNA uses thymine).
- The 5-carbon sugar in RNA is ribose instead of deoxyribose — true (ribose has a 2′-OH; deoxyribose lacks that 2′-OH).