The correct answer is: c) RNA contains uracil and DNA contains thymine.
To elaborate, both RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are essential nucleic acids found in all living cells, but they have distinct differences that play critical roles in biological processes.
One of the key differences lies in their nitrogenous bases. RNA contains uracil (U), while DNA contains thymine (T). This difference is crucial because during the process of transcription, the uracil in RNA pairs with adenine (A) in DNA sequences, whereas thymine in DNA pairs with adenine. This pairing is vital for accurate protein synthesis.
Further differences include the sugar present in each molecule; RNA contains ribose, while DNA contains deoxyribose, which is ribose without one oxygen atom. Additionally, while RNA typically exists as a single strand, DNA is usually a double helix. These structural variations contribute to their distinct functions: DNA serves primarily as the genetic blueprint, while RNA plays a vital role in translating that blueprint into proteins.