Question

Why is RNA more unstable than DNA?

Answer 1

RNA instability:

1. RNA typically has a single strand, unlike DNA. Additionally, RNA is more fragile and susceptible to breakdown since it includes ribose sugars rather than deoxyribose carbohydrates.
2. RNA is made up of ribose carbohydrates rather than deoxyribose.
3. It is more unstable than DNA because of the presence of the hydroxyl group, which renders it more susceptible to hydrolysis and destruction.
4. In general, RNA is unstable due to chemistry.
5. The absence of this hydroxy group in DNA—also known as 2'-deoxyribonucleic acid—is significant. Because RNA has the typical 2' hydroxy group, the phosphodiester bond is unstable and prone to nucleophilic assault and self-hydrolysis.