DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) are two types of nucleic acids that carry genetic information. They are vital structures for the protein synthesis process. Here, let’s look at some differences between DNA and mRNA.
Table of Contents
DNA
Except for some viruses, DNA is the basic hereditary material in most living organisms. These molecules’ primary functions are to store genetic information and to regulate protein synthesis. DNA’s building blocks are deoxyribonucleotides. A DNA molecule is composed of 2 long polynucleotide chains that are coiled to form a double helix structure. A deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine) make up each nucleotide. These nucleotides are strung together in two complementary strands. One strand’s adenine (A) bases form hydrogen bonds with the other strand’s thymine (T) bases. Similarly, cytosine (C) forms hydrogen bonds with guanine (G). This is known as the complementary base pairing of DNA, and it results in a double-stranded DNA structure. This double strand forms the double-helix structure. The double helices of DNA are organised in chromosomes and are packed tightly inside the nucleus.
DNA molecules can self-replicate to create new copies of DNA from existing copies. The genome of an organism is nothing but the total DNA of that organism.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
The RNA molecules that are transcribed from a set of genes and have a sequence of bases complementary to the DNA, carry DNA’s genetic information to the cytoplasmic sites of protein synthesis (ribosomes), to which they become involved in codon-anticodon interaction with tRNA, are called mRNA or messenger RNA. Messenger RNA is one of three types of RNA found in living things. It is a ribonucleotide-based single-stranded nucleic acid. The four RNA nucleotides found in an mRNA molecule are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and uracil (U). Transcription produces mRNA, which determines the specific amino acid of a protein. This structure is transcribed inside the nucleus and transported to the cytoplasm in eukaryotes. RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for mRNA synthesis during transcription. The newly synthesised mRNA is known as pre-mRNA, and it goes through post-transcriptional modifications to become a mature mRNA molecule.
Also Check:DNA Polymerase
Difference between DNA and mRNA
|
DNA |
mRNA |
|---|---|
|
DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid. |
mRNA is a subtype of ribonucleic acid (RNA). |
|
It is a self-replicating molecule that carries hereditary information. |
It is a transcription product that determines the amino acid sequence for a specific protein. |
|
DNA is a double-stranded structure. |
RNA is a single-stranded structure. |
|
The structure has deoxyribose sugars. |
The structure has ribose sugars. |
|
The nucleobases are – adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. |
The nucleobases are – adenine, cytosine, guanine and uracil. |
|
It is formed during DNA replication. |
It is formed during DNA transcription. |
|
DNA polymerase enzymes are involved in this process. |
RNA polymerase enzymes are involved in this process. |
|
It is present inside the nucleus of eukaryotes and the cytoplasm of prokaryotes. |
It is transcribed inside the nucleus of eukaryotes and transported to the cytoplasm. |
|
It has a longer lifespan. |
It is a short-lived molecule. |
|
It is more prone to UV damage. |
It is comparatively resistant to UV. |
|
It comparatively has a high molecular weight. |
It has a lower molecular weight when compared with DNA. |
Explore all the important topics aligned with the updated NEET Biology syllabus, only at BYJU’S. Also check other important Difference Between Topics.
Related Topics:
Recommended Video:
Comments