How does RNA differ from DNA in terms of structure?

The structure of RNA indeed differs from that of DNA in that RNA contains uracil as one of its nucleotide bases, while DNA contains thymine. This difference in the nitrogenous bases is significant because it affects how the molecules function in biological processes. Thymine and uracil both pair with adenine during nucleic acid pairing, but their chemical structures are different: uracil lacks a methyl group that is present in thymine.

This structural variation plays a crucial role in the overall function of RNA and DNA. For instance, uracil's incorporation into RNA contributes to the difference in stability and functionality between RNA and DNA. RNA is typically single-stranded and more versatile in its roles, such as in mRNA (messenger RNA), tRNA (transfer RNA), and rRNA (ribosomal RNA), making it pivotal in protein synthesis processes.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles of these two types of nucleic acids within cells, illustrating how even slight structural differences can have significant implications for biological function.