How do RNA and DNA derive their names?

Question

How do RNA and DNA derive their names??  
A. From the sugar each contains  
B. From the structure of their nucleotides  
C. From the information they transfer  
D. From their formative processes

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (A)From the sugar each contains. 
Rationale: RNA and DNA derive their names from the type of sugar each contains.Both DNA and RNA are nucleic acids made of repeating units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains three components: a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and a sugar. The specific type of sugar present in the molecule is what gives DNA and RNA their names.DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose. The difference between these two sugars is small but important: ribose has an oxygen atom at the 2′ carbon position, while deoxyribose lacks this oxygen atom (“deoxy” means without oxygen). This chemical difference affects the stability and function of each molecule, but most importantly, it is the basis for their names.A) From the sugar each containsThis is correct.DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, named after the sugar deoxyribose.RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, named after the sugar ribose.The naming system directly reflects the chemical composition of the molecules, specifically the type of pentose sugar in their nucleotide structure.B) From the structure of their nucleotidesThis is incorrect.Although DNA and RNA nucleotides differ slightly in structure, their names are not based on the overall nucleotide structure. They are based specifically on the sugar component.C) From the information they transferThis is incorrect.Both DNA and RNA are involved in storing and transferring genetic information, but this shared function does not explain their different names.D) From their formative processesThis is incorrect.The names DNA and RNA are not related to how the molecules are formed or synthesized in the cell, but rather to their chemical makeup.ConclusionDNA and RNA are named according to the sugars they contain: deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA. Therefore, the correct answer is A) From the sugar each contains.

How do RNA and DNA derive their names?

A
From the sugar each contains

B
From the structure of their nucleotides

C
From the information they transfer

D
From their formative processes

RNA and DNA derive their names from the type of sugar each contains.

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Related Questions

How do RNA and DNA derive their names?

A From the sugar each contains B From the structure of their nucleotides C From the information they transfer D From their formative processes

RNA and DNA derive their names from the type of sugar each contains.

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
From the sugar each contains

B
From the structure of their nucleotides

C
From the information they transfer

D
From their formative processes