Question

Why is double-stranded RNA more stable than DNA ?

Answer 1

RNA:

1. Ribonucleic acid is an abbreviation for RNA.
2. It is made up of nucleotide bases, a phosphate backbone, and sugar ribose.
3. Double-stranded RNA is formed when two strands of RNA are wound onto each other.
4. Because DNA contains one fewer hydroxyl group than RNA's ribose, it is more stable.
5. The additional hydroxyl group stiffens the RNA-RNA interaction.
6. As a result of its stiffness, double-stranded RNA is more stable.
7. The 2'OH in RNA stiffens the RNA and prevents it from converting to the B-form upon confirmation from the A-form.
8. As a result of the decreased entropy (randomness), the hydroxyl group increases the thermodynamic stability of RNA.