Asked by: Anthonia Khatri
Asked in category: science, genetics
Last Updated: 3rd May 2024

Which is more complex, DNA or RNA?

This information is carried by two molecules: RNA (a single-stranded molecule) and DNA (a complex double-stranded molecule).



This is why it's important to consider which DNA or RNA is more effective.

Deoxyribose sugar is one less oxygen-containing group than DNA, making DNA a more stable molecule. This is important for a molecule that has to keep genetic information safe. RNA, which contains a ribose sweetener, is more reactive than DNA, and it is less stable in alkaline environments.

What type of RNA is most similar to DNA? Messenger RNA (mRNA), a type of RNA that is most similar to DNA in terms of size and base sequence, is the most heterogeneous. It contains complementary genetic code that was copied from DNA during transcription in the form triplets of nucleotides known as codons.

You might also wonder, "Why can RNA create more complex structures than DNA?"

RNA is considered to be the genetic material for viruses. Explain how RNA can create more complex structures that DNA. The optimal energy state for RNA is usually a bulge. This contributes to the complex structure and helps to find the minimum free energy.

What is the relationship between DNA and RNA?

RNA is somewhat like DNA. They are both nucleic acid of nitrogen-containing bases joined with sugar-phosphate backbone. DNA contains Thymine, while RNA contains Uracil. RNA nucleotides are sugar ribose and not Deoxyribose which is part of DNA.