Hi. In this video, we're going to be talking about DNA versus RNA. So for most of this, you're going to know, but we're just going to review some of the ways in which RNA differs from DNA. One way is that RNA contains the base uracil instead of thymine. Also, RNAs are commonly found as single-stranded polymers compared to the DNA, which is double-stranded. Now, this isn't entirely true; there are double-stranded RNAs, of course, but they're more commonly found as single-stranded sequences. RNAs have a really unique ability as they can form these complex three-dimensional structures, whereas DNA usually only forms as a double helix. A couple of these structures include hairpins, which are very small, just 5 to 10 nucleotides, pairing with each other. And then there's also the larger stem-loops, which can be larger than 10 nucleotides. And then, a really cool activity is that these 3D RNA molecules have certain catalytic activities. We term these RNAs ribozymes because they are essentially RNA enzymes, and DNAs do not do this at all. So whereas the DNA is typically seen as a double helix. When we're really looking at RNA, this is how you're going to see it. This is actually, if you're interested, a TR RNA molecule or transfer RNA molecule. You don't need to know that. Just know that it has a 3D structure with loops that interact and bind together, and this RNA can carry out different catalytic activities, whereas DNA would not be able to. So, let's move on.
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes
DNA vs. RNA
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes
DNA vs. RNA - Video Tutorials & Practice Problems
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concept
RNA
Video duration:
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Video transcript
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Problem
ProblemWhich of the following is not a property of RNA?
A
Contains the base Uracil instead of Thymine
B
RNA can form 3D structures with complex functions
C
RNA is commonly found as a double helix
D
RNA can act as enzymes
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Problem
ProblemWhich of the following differences between RNA and DNA is not true?
A
RNA has Uracil, DNA has Thymine
B
RNA is single stranded, DNA is double stranded
C
RNA can act as an enzyme, DNA cannot act as an enzyme
D
RNA contains the base cytosine, DNA contains the base Uracil