What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Inheritance and continuity, very simply, Illustrate what RNA and DNA represent for life on Earth. Although closely related to each other, each of these molecules has a unique role, structure and location in our cells.

DNA was discovered in 1953, after years of study into the hereditary contribution of “genes”; It was a rather obscure work even for the time. The related molecule RNA was only discovered in 1965.

Learn a little more about the molecules that paved the way to genetics, the history of RNA and DNA, and the key differences in both.

From peas to complex human life

The study of potential inheritance began in 1865 with the experiments of Gregor Mendel, who decided to test the extent to which mixing different colored peas could result in mixed plants or plants of specific colors.

He discovered that plants could transfer their properties to a certain degree. This study led to the emergence of the concept of dominant and recessive genes. Dominant genes are those that have the ability to “silence” recessive genes. Recessives, on the other hand, express themselves only when they encounter other recessives.

So where were these genes hiding? The full answer to this question did not come until 1953, almost 90 years later. There is some debate as to who the team that first identified DNA molecules actually was, but the discovery is attributed to researchers: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins.

Researchers discovered that genes are housed in long chains of nucleotide pairs. It is held in a double helix structure consisting of deoxyribonucleic acid.

The nitrogenous bases and nucleotides that make up the chain are: Adenine (A), Guanine (G). Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T). AT and CG come together in pairs, and through the combination of these connections they carry the basic recipe for life.

DNA is found in the nuclei of each of our cells, in DNA nodes known as chromosomes. Chromosome pairs are inherited from our ancestors, and we receive one chromosome from each parent.

But for this entire recipe to work and stay functional, DNA needs help from RNA.

What is RNA?

Ribonucleic Acid, Better known as RNA, it was discovered shortly thereafter in 1965.. Unlike DNA, it is made of riboses and its bases are Adenine (A). Guanine (G). The only thing that differs from the bases of Deoxyribonucleic Acid is Cytosine (C) and Uracil (U).

It has a single strand that pairs its bases with RNA bases during transcription processes; in this case, pairing occurs between nucleotides AU and CG.

There are some situations where RNA can fold back on itself or even temporarily pair with another RNA strand during the translation process. However, in general, your presentation will take place in the form of a simple tape.

Because of this “processability”, Ribonucleic Acid is key to ensuring that the information contained in DNA can be translated and the proteins necessary for the maintenance of organisms can be produced. Part of the DNA is read by RNA and proteins are produced.

Only RNA has the ability to translate what is encoded in our DNA and distribute the information so that our cells produce what they need.. There are even three types of RNA that are most commonly known.

Messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries information from DNA to an organelle called a ribosome, which has its “own” ribosomal RNA (rRNA). This will synthesize the protein with the contribution of transport RNA (tRNA), which will provide the material, amino acids, for the protein to be synthesized in the ribosome.

This entire dance ensures the constant recycling of organisms by ensuring the proliferation of new cells, as well as the production of proteins necessary for our survival.

Examining the Differences

Simplifying conversation DNA is responsible for storing all the genetic information of living organisms, while RNA is responsible for carrying the message to pathways where all this information can be used to regenerate and guarantee life support..

Unlike DNA, which can only be found in living organisms, RNA can also be identified in viruses, for example, or manipulated to produce immune responses, as in COVID vaccines.

Deoxyribonucleic acid molecules are not that malleable and easy to manipulate. It will only change with direct actions such as exposure to radiation.

Even though they are differentRNA and DNA act closely and inseparably. And this relationship is fundamental to the maintenance of all life forms on Earth.

So do you want to learn more about how DNA can act like a detective in world history? Understand how the DNA of Pompeii victims shows they were not what scientists thought they were. Stay tuned to TecMundo, see you later!