structure of DNA and RNA

 

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Structure:

• Double Helix: DNA consists of two strands that coil around each other, forming a double helix.
• Nucleotides: Each strand is made up of nucleotides, which consist of:
  • A phosphate group
  • A sugar (deoxyribose in DNA)
  • A nitrogenous base (Adenine [A], Thymine [T], Cytosine [C], or Guanine [G])
• Base Pairing: The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

Diagram Description:

• Imagine a twisted ladder. The sides of the ladder are made of alternating sugar and phosphate groups, while the rungs are the base pairs.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Structure:

• Single Strand: RNA typically exists as a single strand.
• Nucleotides: Like DNA, RNA is made of nucleotides, which consist of:
  • A phosphate group
  • A sugar (ribose in RNA)
  • A nitrogenous base (Adenine [A], Uracil [U], Cytosine [C], or Guanine [G])
• Base Pairing: In RNA, A pairs with U (instead of T) and C pairs with G.

Diagram Description:

• Visualize a single strand of a chain. The backbone consists of alternating ribose sugars and phosphate groups, with nitrogenous bases attached to the sugars.

Summary

• DNA: Double helix, deoxyribose, A-T and C-G pairing.
• RNA: Single-stranded, ribose, A-U and C-G pairing.

If you want specific illustrations or further details, let me know!