Question

Differentiate between a DNA and RNA nucleotide.

Hint:

The presence of the 2'-OH group in ribose makes RNA more reactive and less stable than DNA.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Pentose Sugar: DNA nucleotides have 2'-deoxyribose (lacks an oxygen at the 2' carbon). RNA nucleotides have ribose (has an -OH group at the 2' carbon).
2. Nitrogenous Bases: DNA uses Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine. RNA uses Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Uracil.
Step 3: Final Answer:
DNA nucleotides have deoxyribose and thymine; RNA nucleotides have ribose and uracil.