The Differences Between Sugar in the DNA and RNA

As our basic knowledge regarding genetics increases, DNA holds the necessary information about our genes. It contains the genetic makeup that we inherited from our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on and so forth.

Our DNA is found inside the nucleus. It is arranged into chromosomes. Each cell contains a DNA plus the genetic information. Before a cell undergoes division or replication, the DNA also divides. Then the protein that is required undergoes the process of transcription in the form of RNA. In the next step, which is processing, non-needed codes are being eliminated which are then removed out of the nucleus which is the process of transportation. Outside the nucleus, the final process of translation occurs as the proteins are being constructed.

To fully understand the difference between the two, the sugar in the DNA and RNA shall be discussed here.

The DNA and RNA have reoccurring nucleotide units. The nucleotide is composed of nucleic acid, a phosphate, and lastly a sugar. The sugar that is found in the DNA is called deoxyribose while the sugar found inside the RNA is called as ribose. The sugar portion of the DNA and RNA are the same. However, ribose contains more oxygen, hydrogen atoms also known as hydroxyl. This is the major difference between the two.

Ribose was discovered in 1891 by Emil Fisher. Ribose is also known as D-ribose. Ribose is very needed in the process of transcription which is stated in the second paragraph. Ribose is also needed by ATP and NADH. These compounds need Ribose for phosphorilation. In the process of phosphorilation, ribose is turned into a functional sugar. Our human body forms ribose through sugar. Ribose is a monosaccharide.

Deoxyribose, on the other hand, was discovered by Phoebus Levene during 1929. Deoxyribose is also called as 2-deoxyribose and dideoxyribose. Deoxyribose is considered a monosaccharide.

Ribose is available in the market. It is manufactured in the form of tablets, powders, and other forms. Deoxyribose is not manufactured in the market.

Summary:

1.Deoxyribose is the sugar found in DNA while ribose is the sugar found in RNA.
2.Ribose has more hydroxyl atoms than deoxyribose.
3.Ribose is also called D-ribose while deoxyribose is also called 2-deoxyribose and dideoxyribose.
4.Ribose was discovered in 1891 while deoxyribose was discovered in 1929.
5.Both sugars are a form of monosaccharide.

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