Which is the genetic material that is highly stable?

RNA is also now known to be catalystic, hence reactive. Therefore, DNA chemically is less reactive and structurally more stable when compared to RNA. ∗ In fact, the presence of thymine at the place of uracil also confers additional stability to DNA.

Why DNA is predominant genetic material but not RNA?

In the case of RNA, 2′-OH group present in them make them more reactive. Hence, DNA is proved to be less reactive chemically and more stable structurally than RNA. Thymine makes DNA more stable than RNA, where it is substituted by uracil. The unstable nature of RNA makes it more vulnerable to mutation.

How is DNA chemically less reactive and structurally more stable when compared to RNA?

RNA is single stranded while DNA is double stranded. – RNA contains the deoxyribose sugar while DNA contains the deoxyribose sugar which means that DNA lacks one Oxygen containing hydroxyl group. So, the presence of an extra –OH group makes RNA more reactive and less stable.

What is the reason for the additional stability of DNA in comparison to DNA?

The presence of thymine at the place of uracil also confers additional stability to DNA.

How stability of DNA is maintained in the population of a species?

In reproduction, DNA passes from one generation to the next. The consistency of DNA copying during reproduction is important for the maintenance of body design features that allow the organism to use that particular niche. Reproduction is therefore linked to the stability of population of a species.

Why DNA is predominant genetic material whereas RNA performs dynamic functions of messenger?

Why DNA is predominant genetic material where is RNA performs dynamic functions of messages and adaptor. RNA is single stranded and its bases are more vulnerable to chemical mutagens, whereas DNA is double stranded which provides better protection to be bases from chemical mutagens.

Why is DNA and not RNA is the genetic material in majority of organisms Class 12?

1. RNA was reactive and hence highly unstable. 2. Uracil of RNA is less stable than thymine of DNA.