Why is DNA Stable than RNA ?

We know what DNA and RNA means but what we don’t know is why is this DNA more stable than RNA ? This is a very simple doubt and most of the students don’t understand is that the answer is in the basic understanding of DNA and RNA. If you don’t know what is DNA and RNA no problem you keep reading further.

Why is DNA stable than RNA ?

RNA acts as a catalyst which makes it more reactive and unstable whereas DNA is less reactive which helps it to be stable. DNA also is a double-stranded structure which makes it stable in itself but RNA can’t because of its single-stranded structure.

DNA also lacks the 2’OH group which also helps in making it more stable because as DNA is less reactive than RNA. So basically RNA has extra 2’OH groups that makes it unstable.

Both DNA and RNA can mutate (to change characteristics because of change in the genes are made permanently), but RNA can mutate at a faster rate because it is unstable in nature.

What is DNA ?

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a self-replicating material present in a maximum number of living organisms. It is present in the chromosomes in the center of the cells. It is evolved from RNA. DNA is stable than RNA
DNA stores genetic information. It encodes information to form synthesized strands. It also plays a role in the alteration of the sequence of a nucleotide of the genes. 

 Structure of DNA
Structure of DNA

What is RNA ?

RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. It is present in living cells. It carries instructions from DNA for protein synthesis as DNA is dependent on RNA for protein synthesis. RNA has a high molecular weight. 
RNA plays an important role in protein synthesis. It includes m-RNA (messenger-RNA), r-RNA (ribosomal-RNA) and t-RNA (transfer-RNA). The m-RNA carries the message, the t-RNA then helps m-RNA to encode this message which further is passed on to r-RNA for protein synthesis.

 Structure of RNA
Structure of RNA

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *