Difference between DNA and RNA

The two nucleic acids, side by side. Sugar, bases, strands and function in a table, plus the thymine/uracil trap.

Direct answer: DNA is double-stranded, carries the sugar deoxyribose and the bases A-T-G-C; it stores genetic information. RNA is single-stranded, carries ribose and the bases A-U-G-C (uracil instead of thymine); it expresses and transports that information.

Comparison table

Feature	DNA	RNA
Strands	Double (double helix)	Single
Sugar	Deoxyribose	Ribose
Bases	A, T, G, C	A, U, G, C
Function	Stores genetic information	Expresses/transfers information
Stability	More stable	Less stable
Location	Nucleus (and mitochondria)	Nucleus and cytoplasm
Types	One	mRNA, tRNA, rRNA

Base pairing

In DNA: A–T and G–C. In RNA, thymine is replaced by uracil, so A pairs with U (and G with C).

Exam trap: uracil (U) replaces thymine (T) in RNA, not the other way around. And the chemical difference between ribose and deoxyribose is an –OH group on the 2' carbon (deoxyribose lacks it: "deoxy").

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded, has deoxyribose and thymine, and stores information; RNA is single-stranded, has ribose and uracil, and expresses it.

Which base does RNA have that DNA lacks?

Uracil (U), which replaces the thymine (T) of DNA.

What sugar does each one have?

DNA has deoxyribose and RNA has ribose.