DNA vs RNA: Chemical Differences — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptCan you recall the two chemical differences between DNA and RNA?
Which of the following statements correctly highlight the chemical and structural differences between DNA and RNA and their functional implications? S1: DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and the nitrogenous base thymine, whereas RNA contains ribose sugar and uracil. S2: The additional hydroxyl group at the 2'-position in ribose sugar makes RNA chemically less reactive and structurally more stable than DNA. S3: DNA is generally preferred for the storage of genetic information due to its chemical stability, while RNA is better for transmission of genetic information. S4: Both DNA and RNA are capable of mutation, but RNA, being unstable, generally mutates at a slower rate. S5: While DNA is almost exclusively the genetic material in most organisms, RNA can also act as genetic material in certain viruses.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — S1, S3 and S5 are correct
The core concept involves distinguishing between DNA and RNA based on their chemical composition, structural stability, and functional roles. S1: This statement is correct. DNA has deoxyribose and thymine, while RNA has ribose and uracil. S2: This statement is not correct. The additional 2'-OH group in ribose makes RNA 'labile and easily degradable', hence 'more reactive and less stable' compared to DNA, not less reactive and more stable. S3: This statement is correct. DNA's greater stability makes it suitable for genetic information storage, while RNA's dynamic nature makes it better for transmission. S4: This statement is not correct. RNA, 'being unstable, mutate at a faster rate', not a slower rate. S5: This statement is correct. DNA is the predominant genetic material, but RNA serves as genetic material in some viruses (e.g., TMV, QB bacteriophage). Therefore, statements S1, S3, and S5 are correct. Options A, C, and D contain incorrect statements S2 or S4 or both. The correct option is B as it correctly identifies the true statements about DNA and RNA differences and their implications.
What does NCERT say about Can you recall two?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.