What type of sugar is found in RNA?

Study for the Genetics and Molecular Biology Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Ace your exam with comprehensive practice and detailed explanations!

Multiple Choice

What type of sugar is found in RNA?

Explanation:
RNA uses ribose as its sugar. The defining feature is that ribose has a hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon, whereas deoxyribose (found in DNA) lacks that 2' OH. This 2' hydroxyl makes RNA more chemically reactive and less stable than DNA, fitting RNA’s diverse roles and temporary genetic information. Glucose and fructose are simple hexoses used in metabolism, not the backbone sugars of nucleic acids. So ribose is the sugar found in RNA.

RNA uses ribose as its sugar. The defining feature is that ribose has a hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon, whereas deoxyribose (found in DNA) lacks that 2' OH. This 2' hydroxyl makes RNA more chemically reactive and less stable than DNA, fitting RNA’s diverse roles and temporary genetic information. Glucose and fructose are simple hexoses used in metabolism, not the backbone sugars of nucleic acids. So ribose is the sugar found in RNA.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy