Difference Between DNA & RNA

	DNA	RNA
Stands for:	DeoxyriboNucleicAcid	RiboNucleicAcid
Definition:	A nucleic acid that contains thegenetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.	RNA, single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. RNA molecules are involved in proteinsynthesis and sometimes in the transmission of genetic information.
Difference:	1.Found in nucleus 2. sugar is deoxyribose 3. Bases are A,T,C,G	1.Found in nucleus and cytoplasm 2.sugar is ribose. 3. Bases are A,U,C,G
Job/Role:	Medium of long-term storage and transmission of genetic information	The main job of RNA is to transfer the genetic code need for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. this process prevents the DNA from having to leave the nucleus, so it stays safe. Without RNA, proteins could never be made.
Unique Features:	The helix geometry of DNA is of B-Form. DNA is completely protected by the body i.e. the body destroys enzymes that cleave DNA. DNA can be damaged by exposure to Ultra-violet rays	The helix geometry of RNA is of A-Form. RNA strands are continually made, broken down and reused. RNA is more resistant to damage by Ultra-violet rays.
Predominant Structure:	Typically a double- stranded molecule with a long chain of nucleotides	A single-stranded molecule in most of its biological roles and has a shorter chain of nucleotides
Bases & Sugars:	DNA is a long polymer with a deoxyribose and phosphate backbone and four different bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine	RNA is a polymer with a ribose and phosphate backbone and four different bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil
Pairing of Bases:	A-T(Adenine-Thymine), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine)	A-U(Adenine-Uracil), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine)
Stability:	Deoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive because of C-H bonds. Stable in alkaline conditions. DNA has smaller grooves where the damaging enzyme can attach which makes it harder for the enzyme to attack DNA.	Ribose sugar is more reactive because of C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. Not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA on the other hand has larger grooves which makes it easier to be attacked by enzymes.