a Ribonucleotide vs a Deoxyribonucleotide
Though all human beings are alike in the sense that they have same body parts and essential organs, each one of us is unique because of our genetic makeup. It is the DNA blueprint of every individual that decides his physical features and body composition. Also known as Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA is a microscopic molecule that stores genetic code that provides unique identity to each individual. RNA (ribonucleic acid) is another of the three major macromolecules (along with proteins and DNA) that are integral for our lives. There are differences between the structure and properties of RNA and DNA that few people are aware of. This article will help you to understand these differences.
Genes contain DNA’s that have instructions for body cells as to how they have to function and how to react with other cells. This information, along with the information encoded in RNA’s is vital for the normal functioning of our body cells. Both DNA and RNA are similar in looks and also perform similar functions. However, there are subtle differences in their composition that makes them perform different functions. Since both DNA and RNA are vital for survival of human beings, it is prudent to have a better understanding of these molecules.
A DNA molecule is composed of deoxyribonucleotides while RNA is made up of ribonucleotides. Both of these are nucleotides with little difference in their compositions. Ribonucleotide is made up of a deoxyribose sugar, a nitrogenous base and one or more phosphate groups. This sugar has a chemical formula of C5H10O3. On the other hand Ribonucleotide molecule also has nitrogenous base and a phosphate group that are attached to a ribose sugar rather than a deoxyribose sugar. The chemical composition of ribose sugar is C5H10O5. Thus there are 3 oxygen atoms in DNA, whereas there are 5 oxygen atoms in RNA. This makes all the difference in the functioning of Deoxyribonucleotide and Ribonucleotide. Another major difference is that phosphate group attaches itself at different parts in the two types of nucleotides.
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In brief: • DNA and RNA contain vital genetic code important for the functioning of our body cells. • Both DNA and RNA are made up of nucleotides that have different compositions. • While nucleotides in DNA have deoxyribose sugar (C5H10O3), nucleotides in RNA contain ribose sugar (C5H10O5). • There is also difference in the place where phosphate group attaches itself in the two nucleotides.
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