Quote:
Originally Posted by ali jaffer
Aoa,
Plz somebody tell why DNAis our genetic material and not RNA? why is it safe storage of the Genetic code?
I have the clue that it has something to do with the stability of DNA as it resisits change in its state but cant quite get it, plz elucidate the point. Me having engineering background is having hard time regarding this medical stuff
Your help is appreciated
Ali Jaffer
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Yes Ali Jaffer you have rightly quoted a clue that it is more stable as compared to RNA. Here I am elaborating why its more stable and resists change more than RNA:
- DNA has double-hellical structure that has relatively small 'grooves' or 'spaces' where damaging enzymes can attach, which makes it harder for them to 'attack' the DNA. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has much larger grooves, so it would more subject to being broken down.
- One of the main reasons for RNA to be less stable than DNA is that the 2' OH group of RNA can react with the molecule's backbone in flexible regions, causing the molecule to cleave. Thus, long strands of RNA are chemically less stable.
- The deoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive than the
ribose sugar. In general C-H bonds are less reactive than C-OH (hydroxyl). Another reason that RNA is not very stable in alkaline conditions, while DNA is.
- The connection between the strands of dsDNA is tighter than dsRNA so it's easier to 'unzip' dsRNA than it is to unzip dsDNA. Overall, it's requires less energy to break down and reform RNA than DNA. DNA being the substance harder to break down is used to code genetic information.
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