RNA Structure and Function. The structure of DNA and RNA. Read and learn for free about the following article: DNA structure and function. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) also consists of nucleotides, but these nucleotides contain the sugar ribose. As is known from the chemistry course, the structure of a substance necessarily affects its function. RNA Structure. Both have sets of nucleotides that contain genetic information. DNA was known to be a long polymer composed of only four types of subunits, which resemble one another chemically. A ribonucleotide in the RNA chain contains ribose (the pentose sugar), one of the four nitrogenous bases (A, U, G, and C), and a phosphate group. In this section, we will discuss the basic structure and function of DNA. Another difference between the two molecules is their location in the cell. Biologists in the 1940s had difficulty in accepting DNA as the genetic material because of the apparent simplicity of its chemistry. If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. DNA is a double helix, while RNA is a single helix. There are four main functions of DNA that can be explained by its function. The structure and function of DNA, RNA, proteins and otherorganic polymers depend both on the qualitative and quantitative composition of their macromolecules. However, for the rest of the non-science individuals, understanding RNA and DNA structure and function gives a brief understanding into the cellular world. Read and learn for free about the following article: DNA structure and function. The tight structure of a DNA double helix makes it less vulnerable to enzyme action, but RNA is more resistant to ultraviolet rays. RNA is a copy of DNA, but it is normally single-stranded. Structure: DNA consists of two strands, arranged in a double helix. -composed of polynucleotides -- have a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar and a nitrogen containing bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine) -Has a doubled helix that is formed by hydrogen bonds between polynucleotides. They are comprised of nucleotide chains linked via phosphodiester bonds between 5′ … For scientists, studying RNA and DNA structure and function is essential to understanding the basics of biology. DNA replication. Although both RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, there are key differences in the structure and function of RNA and DNA. genes are passed from parents to offspring. RNA has A,C,G and U. Transcription: The DNA code is copied to create messenger RNA (mRNA). RNA is typically single stranded and is made of ribonucleotides that are linked by phosphodiester bonds. DNA and RNA are no exception. What is the structure of DNA? -Densely compacted into … RNA’s extra hydroxyl groups make it a more reactive molecule that is less stable in alkaline conditions than DNA. RNA strands are shorter than DNA strands. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar molecule and a nitrogenous base. 3) The function of DNA. The double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.