Which statement best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

Which statement best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

• A. DNA is double-stranded with deoxyribose and thymine, stays in nucleus; RNA is single-stranded with ribose and uracil, can leave nucleus
• B. DNA is single-stranded with ribose and uracil; RNA is double-stranded with deoxyribose and thymine
• C. DNA and RNA are both double-stranded and identical
• D. DNA uses ribose; RNA uses deoxyribose

Answer: (A)

DNA and RNA differ in three key ways: the sugar in their backbone, the bases they contain, and their typical structures and roles. DNA uses deoxyribose, contains thymine, and is usually double-stranded, which helps it stay stable and store genetic information in the nucleus. RNA uses ribose, contains uracil, and is usually single-stranded, allowing it to travel out of the nucleus to participate in protein synthesis. This combination of features makes the described statement the best summary: DNA is double-stranded with deoxyribose and thymine and stays in the nucleus, while RNA is single-stranded with ribose and uracil and can leave the nucleus. The other options mix up sugars, bases, or structural characteristics, leading to incorrect descriptions.

DNA and RNA differ in three key ways: the sugar in their backbone, the bases they contain, and their typical structures and roles. DNA uses deoxyribose, contains thymine, and is usually double-stranded, which helps it stay stable and store genetic information in the nucleus. RNA uses ribose, contains uracil, and is usually single-stranded, allowing it to travel out of the nucleus to participate in protein synthesis. This combination of features makes the described statement the best summary: DNA is double-stranded with deoxyribose and thymine and stays in the nucleus, while RNA is single-stranded with ribose and uracil and can leave the nucleus. The other options mix up sugars, bases, or structural characteristics, leading to incorrect descriptions.