Chromosome, DNA, RNA

Chromosome, differences between DNA and RNA
What is Chromosome?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant
cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA). Passed from parents to offspring, DNA contains the specific instructions that make
each type of living creature unique.
The term chromosome comes from the Greek words for color (chroma) and body (soma).
Scientists gave this name to chromosomes because they are cell structures, or bodies, that
are strongly stained by some colorful dyes used in research.
What do chromosomes do?

The unique structure of chromosomes keeps DNA tightly wrapped around spool-like
proteins, called histones. Without such packaging, DNA molecules would be too long to fit
inside cells. For example, if all of the DNA molecules in a single human cell were unwound
from their histones and placed end-to-end, they would stretch 6 feet.
For an organism to grow and function properly, cells must constantly divide to produce new
cells to replace old, worn-out cells. During cell division, it is essential that DNA remains intact
and evenly distributed among cells. Chromosomes are a key part of the process that
ensures DNA is accurately copied and distributed in the vast majority of cell divisions. Still,
mistakes do occur on rare occasions.
Changes in the number or structure of chromosomes in new cells may lead to serious
problems. For example, in humans, one type of leukemia and some other cancers are
caused by defective chromosomes made up of joined pieces of broken chromosomes.
It is also crucial that reproductive cells, such as eggs and sperm, contain the right number of
chromosomes and that those chromosomes have the correct structure. If not, the resulting
offspring may fail to develop properly. For example, people with Down syndrome have three
copies of chromosome 21, instead of the two copies found in other people .
Full form Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ribonucleic Acid

RNA forms in the

DNA is found in the nucleolus, and then
nucleus, with a small moves to specialized
Location
amount of DNA also regions of the cytoplasm
present in mitochondria. depending on the type of
RNA formed.
Long, ladder-like In contrast to the double

macromolecule that helix structure of DNA,
Structure
twists to form a double RNA is generally single
helix. stranded.
Each DNA nucleotide

contains one of four
Contains the nitrogenous
nitrogenous bases,
Nucleotides base uracil in place of
abbreviated A (adenine),
thymine.
G (guanine), T (thymine),
or C (cytosine).
Chain of Nucleotides Long chain of nucleotides Relatively short chains
Contains a different sugar

DNA contains deoxyribose (ribose rather than
Sugar
sugar. deoxyribose) in its
nucleotides.
In case of DNA: In case of RNA:

Ratio of Bases • Adenine = Thymine • Adenine ≠ Thymine
• Guanine = Cytosine • Guanine ≠ Cytosine
Molecular Weight 2 to 6 million 25,000 to 2 million
For a particular species,

The number of RNA may
Number the DNA number remains
differ from cell to cell.
constant for every cell.
DNA does not usually

exist as a single
RNA may exist as a single
Molecule molecule, but instead as
molecule.
a tightly-associated pair
of molecules.
Propagation DNA is self-replicating. RNA is synthesized from

DNA on an as-needed
basis.
DNA can’t leave the RNA leaves the nucleus

Leaving Nucleus
nucleus. (mRNA).
DNA is completely
protected by the body i.e. RNA strands are
Destruction and re-use the body destroys continually made, broken
enzymes that down and reused.
cleave DNA.
• Storing genetic
information
• Transferring genetic
• Directs protein
information from the DNA
synthesis
to proteins
• Determines genetic
Function • Carrying it outside the
coding
nucleus
• Directly responsible for
• Translating it to
metabolic activities,
proteins
evolution, heredity, and
differentiation.
In all organisms other Very rarely (in some

Role as Genetic Material
than certain viruses viruses)
RNA is more versatile

More stable and holds
than DNA, capable of
Versatility and more complex
performing numerous,
Usefulness information for longer
diverse tasks in an
periods of time.
organism.
RNA, containing a ribose

Due to its deoxyribose
sugar, is more reactive
sugar, which contains one
than DNA and is not
less oxygen-containing
stable in alkaline
Stability hydroxyl group, DNA is a
conditions. RNA’s larger
more stable molecule
helical grooves mean it is
than RNA. DNA is stable
more easily subject to
under alkaline conditions.
attack by enzymes.
DNA is vulnerable to RNA is more resistant to

Ultraviolet (UV)
damage by ultraviolet damage from UV light
Sensitivity
light. than DNA.
DNA’s mutation rate is RNA’s mutation rate is

Mutation Rate
relatively lower. relatively higher.
Unusual Bases Never May be present rarely
Rate of Renaturation
Relatively slower Quick
After Melting
Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Chromosomal DNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
(nuclear DNA) and Extra-
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Types chromosomal (plasmid
DNA, mt- DNA, chl- DNA hnRNA • snRNA •
etc.) snoRNA • miRNA •
siRNA

Chromosome, DNA, RNA

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Chromosome, DNA, RNA

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Chromosome, differences between DNA and RNA

What do chromosomes do?

Full form Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ribonucleic Acid

RNA forms in the

Long, ladder-like In contrast to the double

Each DNA nucleotide

Chain of Nucleotides Long chain of nucleotides Relatively short chains

Contains a different sugar

In case of DNA: In case of RNA:

Molecular Weight 2 to 6 million 25,000 to 2 million

For a particular species,

DNA does not usually

Propagation DNA is self-replicating. RNA is synthesized from

DNA can’t leave the RNA leaves the nucleus

In all organisms other Very rarely (in some

RNA is more versatile

RNA, containing a ribose

DNA is vulnerable to RNA is more resistant to

DNA’s mutation rate is RNA’s mutation rate is

Unusual Bases Never May be present rarely

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

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