DNA vs RNA: Sugar, Structure, and Base Pairing (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the differences in sugar, structure, and base pairing between DNA and RNA, including typical states and exceptions.

Deoxyribose

The sugar used in DNA; lacks one oxygen atom compared with ribose.

Ribose

The sugar used in RNA; contains an extra hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon.

DNA

The molecule that is typically double-stranded, uses deoxyribose, and pairs A–T and C–G.

RNA

The molecule that is typically single-stranded, uses ribose, and pairs A–U and C–G (can be double-stranded in some contexts).

A–T base pairing (DNA)

Adenine pairs with thymine in DNA through two hydrogen bonds.

A–U base pairing (RNA)

Adenine pairs with uracil in RNA instead of thymine.

C–G base pairing

Cytosine pairs with guanine in both DNA and RNA.

Single-stranded vs double-stranded

DNA is generally double-stranded; RNA is generally single-stranded but can form double-stranded regions or structures.