DNA vs RNA
&
DNA REPLICATION vs
TRANSCRIPTION
GROUP 2:
112-167 / 120-768 / 081-815 / 082-406 / 119-329 / 061-172 / 115-671 / 105-421/ 103-831
INTRODUCTION:
DNA and RNA, the two primary nucleic acids, are
vital to genetic function but differ in both structure
and role. DNA is double-stranded, forming a
stable double helix, while RNA is typically
single-stranded, making it more flexible and less
stable. DNA's deoxyribose sugar lacks one
oxygen atom compared to RNA's ribose sugar,
and DNA uses thymine as a base, whereas RNA
uses uracil. Functionally, DNA stores genetic
information long-term, whereas RNA translates
this information into proteins. In replication, DNA
unwinds and each strand serves as a template for
creating an identical copy, ensuring genetic
continuity. In contrast, transcription involves only
one DNA strand, which is used to synthesize a
complementary RNA sequence, a crucial step in
gene expression. Despite these similarities in
template usage, replication duplicates the entire
genome, while transcription selectively copies
genes as needed.
STRUCTURE DIFFERENCES
Sugar Component:
○ DNA: Contains deoxyribose sugar,
which has one less oxygen atom
than ribose.
○ RNA: Contains ribose sugar, which
has one more oxygen atom
compared to deoxyribose.
Nitrogenous Bases:
○ DNA: Composed of four nitrogenous
bases: adenine (A), thymine (T),
cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
○ RNA: Has adenine (A), cytosine (C),
guanine (G), and uracil (U) instead
of thymine.
Strand Formation:
● DNA: Double-stranded, forming a double helix
structure. The strands are antiparallel and
held together by hydrogen bonds between
complementary bases (A-T and C-G).
● RNA: Typically single-stranded, though it can
form secondary structures like hairpins or
loops through intramolecular base pairing.
Stability:
● DNA: More stable due to the absence of the
2'-hydroxyl group in deoxyribose and the
double-stranded structure, making it less
prone to hydrolysis.
● RNA: Less stable due to the presence of the
2'-hydroxyl group in ribose, which makes RNA
more susceptible to hydrolysis.
FUNCTION DIFFERENCES
Types and Roles:
● DNA: Exists primarily as a single type
in the cell’s nucleus (with some
present in mitochondria and
chloroplasts).
● RNA: Exists in several forms, each
with different functions:
○ mRNA (Messenger RNA):
Carries the genetic code from
DNA to ribosomes for protein
synthesis.
○ rRNA (Ribosomal RNA):
Forms the core of ribosomes,
where protein synthesis occurs.
○ tRNA (Transfer RNA): Brings
amino acids to ribosomes
during protein synthesis.
Replication and Synthesis:
● DNA: Can self-replicate, ensuring the
genetic information is passed on
during cell division.
● RNA: Synthesized from DNA through
a process called transcription; cannot
self-replicate.
Location in the Cell:
● DNA: Mainly found in the nucleus
(eukaryotes), with some in
mitochondria and chloroplasts.
● RNA: Found in the nucleus and
cytoplasm, with different types
distributed in specific cellular locations
(e.g., mRNA in the cytoplasm, rRNA in
ribosomes).
DNA Replication
In the process of DNA replication, the
DNA makes multiple copies of itself. It
is a biological polymerisation, which
proceeds in the sequence of initiation,
elongation, and termination. It is an
enzyme-catalysed reaction. DNA
Polymerase is the main enzyme in
the replication process.
DNA Replication Steps:
Initiation
DNA replication demands a high degree of
accuracy because even a minute mistake would
result in mutations. Thus, replication cannot
initiate randomly at any point in DNA.
For the replication to begin there is a particular
region called the origin of replication. This is the
point where the replication originates. Replication
begins with the spotting of this origin followed by
the unwinding of the two DNA strands.
Unzipping of DNA strands in their entire length is
not feasible due to high energy input. Hence,
first, a replication fork is created catalysed by the
helicase enzyme, which unzips the DNA strand.
Elongation
As the strands are separated, the
polymerase enzymes start synthesising the
complementary sequence in each of the
strands. The parental strands will act as a
template for newly synthesising daughter
strands.
It is to be noted that elongation is
unidirectional i.e. DNA is always polymerised
only in the 5′ to 3′ direction. Therefore, in
one strand (the template 3‘→5‘) it is
continuous, hence called continuous
replication while on the other strand (the
template 5‘→3‘) it is discontinuous
replication. They occur as fragments called
Okazaki fragments. The enzyme called DNA
ligase joins them later.
Termination
Termination of
replication occurs in
different ways in
different organisms. In
[Link] like organisms,
chromosomes are
circular. And this
happens when the two
replication forks
between the two
terminals meet each
other.
What is Transcription?
It is one of the first processes in gene
expression. The genetic information flows
from DNA to protein and this flow of
information takes place in a sequential
process of transcription and translation.
Only one strand of DNA is copied during
the process of transcription known as the
template strand and the RNA synthesised
is called the mRNA.
The main motive of transcription is RNA
synthesis from the DNA sequence. The
RNA transcript carries the information used
to encode a protein.
Stages of Transcription
Transcription proceeds in
enzymatically catalysed steps i.e.
Initiation, Elongation & Termination
Initiation
RNA polymerase attaches to the
DNA molecule and moves along
the DNA strand until it recognises a
promoter sequence. These are
known as the transcription start
sites. The DNA double helix then
unwinds and all the bases on each
of the DNA strands are exposed.
This acts as a template for a new
mRNA strand.
Elongation
Ribonucleotides are added to the template
strand that enables the growth of mRNA
growth.
Termination
RNA polymerase encounters a terminator
sequence and the transcription stops. RNA
polymerase then releases the DNA template.
CONTRASTING DNA REPLICATION
AND TRANSCRIPTION
Purpose:
DNA Replication: Creates an exact
copy of the entire DNA molecule for
cell division.
Transcription: Copies a specific
gene segment of DNA into RNA for
protein synthesis.
Enzymes Involved:
DNA Replication: DNA polymerase,
helicase, primase, ligase.
Transcription:RNA polymerase.
Template:
DNA Replication: Both strands of the DNA double
helix are used.
Transcription: Only one strand of the DNA double
helix (the template strand) is used.
Product:
DNA Replication: Two identical DNA molecules
(each with one old and one new strand).
Transcription:A single-stranded RNA molecule
(mRNA, tRNA, or rRNA).
Nucleotides:
DNA Replication: Deoxyribonucleotides (adenine,
thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Transcription: Ribonucleotides (adenine, uracil,
cytosine, guanine).
Primers:
DNA Replication: Requires an RNA primer to initiate synthesis.
Transcription: Does not require a primer.
Proofreading:
DNA Replication: High fidelity with proofreading by DNA polymerase.
Transcription: Limited proofreading by RNA polymerase, higher error rate.
End Result:
DNA Replication: Duplication of the entire genome, essential for cell division.
Transcription: Synthesis of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, or rRNA) for protein production.
CONCLUSION
References:
[Link], B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2014). Molecular
Biology of the Cell (6th ed.). Garland Science.
[Link], B. (2014). Genes XII. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
3. Minchin, S. and Lodge, J. (2019). Understanding biochemistry: structure and function of
nucleic acids. Essays in Biochemistry, [online] 63(4), pp.433–456.
doi:[Link]
