What is the difference between rna and dna?

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA is ribonucleic acid. Although DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences between them. This is a comparison of the differences between DNA versus RNA, including a quick summary and a detailed table of the differences. read more

Although DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences between them. This is a comparison of the differences between DNA versus RNA, including a quick summary and a detailed table of the differences. Summary of Differences Between DNA and RNA. DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose. read more

First of all, DNA and RNA don't have the same sugar in their backbones; DNA contains deoxyribose, which contains one less oxygen atom than ribose, the sugar in RNA. As for nitrogenous bases, DNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine; RNA consists of adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil. read more

RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and the protein synthesis complexes known as ribosomes. Both DNA and RNA starts synthesis in the 5'-3' direction. However, no primer is needed for RNA. read more