The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

Which characteristic of DNA makes it a more stable carrier of genetic information compared to RNA?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: [Option C]
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Stability of nucleic acids
	**Related Topics**: DNA structure, RNA structure, genetic information
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of nucleic acids' chemical composition
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
		- DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids.
		- DNA has deoxyribose sugar while RNA has ribose sugar.
**Method & Steps**:
	1.	Identify the sugars in DNA and RNA.
		Reasoning: Deoxyribose lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose.
		Formula/Rule: Ribose (C₅H₁₀O₅) vs. Deoxyribose (C₅H₁₀O₄)
	2.	Analyze the impact of sugar structure on stability.
		Working: The absence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon in deoxyribose means less susceptibility to hydrolysis.
		Key Point: This makes DNA more resistant to enzymatic degradation.
	3.	Conclude the implications of stability for genetic information.
		Result: DNA's structural differences confer greater stability for long-term genetic information storage.
		Verification: RNA's instability leads to its transient role in genetic processes.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: The presence of uracil instead of thymine does not contribute to stability; uracil is less stable.
[B] :x: RNA's single-stranded structure makes it less stable than DNA's double helix.
[C] ✓: The presence of deoxyribose sugar instead of ribose sugar reduces susceptibility to hydrolysis, enhancing stability.
[D] :x: DNA is less susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis compared to RNA, but this is a consequence of its structural characteristics.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing the role of uracil and thymine: Remember that thymine in DNA contributes to stability.
		2. Overlooking the significance of sugar structure: Focus on how deoxyribose contributes to DNA's stability.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember "deoxy" means fewer oxygen atoms, indicating a more stable structure.
		2. Think of DNA as the long-term storage of genetic information, while RNA is more of a temporary messenger.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The presence of uracil instead of thymine

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Its single-stranded structure

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "The presence of deoxyribose sugar instead of ribose sugar"

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Its susceptibility to alkaline hydrolysis

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