DNA has the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA has the sugar ribose.
True or false?
True.
True.
DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose. The difference in sugar composition is one of the main distinctions between DNA and RNA molecules.
True.
To understand why this statement is true, we need to know some basics of DNA and RNA.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are two types of nucleic acids that play essential roles in transferring and storing genetic information in living organisms.
Both DNA and RNA are made up of units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
In DNA, the sugar molecule is deoxyribose. It is a five-carbon sugar with one less oxygen atom compared to ribose. Deoxyribose is named so because it lacks one oxygen atom, making it "deoxy" (meaning without oxygen) ribose.
In RNA, the sugar molecule is ribose. Ribose is also a five-carbon sugar, but it has one more oxygen atom than deoxyribose, making it a "normal" ribose structure.
Therefore, it is correct to say that DNA has the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA has the sugar ribose.