Chapter 23, Problem 2STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The factor that is not a difference between RNA and DNA needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. DNA includes four bases such as adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). RNA consists of four bases: adenine, cytosine, uracil, and guanine.

Answer to Problem 2STP

Option D is not a difference between RNA and DNA.

Explanation of Solution

RNA and BNA both have the nitrogen base adenine. Therefore, the statement D “DNA contains the nitrogen base adenine, while RNA does not” is not a difference between RNA and DNA.

Conclusion

DNA and RNA can be differentiated by the sugar one contains. RNA contains ribose, and DNA contains deoxyribose. Therefore, the statement A “DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose” is a difference between RNA and DNA.

RNA contains uracil and DNA does not contain uracil. So, statement B “RNA contains the nitrogen base uracil, while DNA does not” is a difference between RNA and DNA.

RNA contains only one strand and DNA has two strands. Therefore, the statement C “RNA is usually single-stranded, while DNA is usually double-stranded” is a difference between RNA and DNA.