Living beings are composed of complex physiological processes, physical characteristics, metabolic routes and behaviors, among many other distinctive factors. Not only have organisms possess them, but they are also transferred to their offspring. All this information is stored in the Genetic codewhich has been used since the beginning of history through empirical knowledge for the selection of varieties in animals and plants. Over time, the scientific knowledge of the molecules containing genetic information was deepened, until the concepts of DNA, RNA, genes and chromosomes were obtained.
In this ecology article, we will explain the Difference between DNA and RNA. Continue reading to learn more and understand the molecules that make possible the expression of life and understand what DNA and RNA are.
What is DNA and its function
Exist Two varieties of nucleic acids: One is the DNA, and the other is the RNA. Both are molecules that store genetic information. First we will see what DNA is and what are its functions to understand it better.
DNA is the molecular structure that keeps codified genetic informationthat is, it stores all the necessary information for each organism to work. DNA certain segments will form the genes, which will encode a particular protein, but will not achieve it alone, but with the help of RNA. Later we explain what the RNA is and how this works. For now, remember that DNA is only the one who stores information in code.
The acronym for the molecule are for abbreviate to acid Dexyribonucleicthat owes its name to the elements that form it. Is made up of:
- A double spiral chain of nucleotides: which are composed of one of the four nitrogenous bases that are adenine, guanine, cytosine and timin. They are complementary to each other, that is, guanine joins cytosine, and timina adenine.
- A Chain of deoxyribose and a phosphate.
This molecule is encapsulated In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells in the form of chromosomes and packed in nucleosomes so that the double DNA chains can be accommodated in a compact way.
DNA function
This DNA has the main function of saving information, but they also have other functions. It is then distinguished between:
- He Coding DNA: It will be transmitted to the next generations. We can say that DNA is the transmitter of inheritance.
- He Non -coding DNA: It was known as garbage DNA, but it was discovered that it is useful within the cell, with regulatory and structural function.
Discover the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell in this ecology article that we recommend.
What is RNA and its function
RNA is the ribonucleic acid which occurs in eukaryotic cells as well as prokaryotes, such as bacteria or viruses. It is stored together with the DNA in the cells with nucleus, but later It goes to the cytoplasm. In core cells, it is always free in the cytoplasm.
It is formed by:
- One Ribonucleotide spiral chain: Composed of one of the four nitrogenous bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil, the latter replaces DNA timin.
- A phosphate and one Ribosa: Like the pairs of previous bases, they are complementary to each other.
RNA is in charge of Interpret DNA information To be functional. This is achieved by transcribing DNA in messenger RNA and this translates into proteins. This is a brief summary for you to understand what RNA does and its relationship with DNA. Let’s now review the functions of the RNA.
Types and RNA function
RNA is more versatile than DNA and has several functions, since there are different types to complete its multiple activities. Such types are:
- He Messenger RNA: It is the product of the transcription of a gene, and from this messenger RNA a protein will be formed.
- He Ribosomal RNA: Manufacture ribosomes, other important cell organelles, with protein help. Do not hesitate to consult this other article about cellular organelles: what are functions and examples in ecology.
- He Transfer RNA: physically transports to the amino acids made of the part of the cell where they are needed, as well as attend the protein assembly.
On the other hand, the RNA too catalyzes reactions and regulates genetic expression.
DNA differences and RNA
Now that we know what DNA and RNA are and what their functions are, we will see what they differ. Although DNA and RNA are very similar but have small differences such as:
- Nitrogen bases: The RNA has Uracil, but the DNA replaces it with Timina. The other nitrogen bases (adenine, guanine and cytosine) are the same.
- Number of chains: DNA is a double chain and RNA is a single strand. Therefore, another of the differences between RNA and DNA is the number of polynucleotides, which in the DNA are two and in the RNA is one.
- Location: DNA is found in a circular and delimited way only in true core cells, in chromosomes, chloroplasts and mitochondria, while in cells without core it is free in the cytoplasm. On the other hand, in these eukaryotic cells the RNA goes out to the cytoplasm to fulfill its functions, and in prokaryotes it is also found in the cytoplasm.
- Nucleotide composition: while DNA are made up of deoxyribose, while RNAs are composed of ribose. These components are sugars, each in different ways.
- Functions of each type of molecule: It is one of the most important differences between DNA and RNA, since, in short, DNA stores coded information while RNA forms proteins and transports them.
It is worth mentioning, finally, that there are organisms without core that can exist without DNA, but RNA is always indispensable to express proteins.
If you want to read more articles similar to Difference between DNA and RNAwe recommend that you enter our biology category.
- Aréchiga, H. (1996). The fundamental phenomena of life. Mexico City: Editorial XXI century.
