What is a key fact about the structure of RNA?

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is fundamentally characterized by its structure, which includes being typically single-stranded. This structural formation allows RNA to perform a variety of functions within the cell, including acting as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins. Additionally, RNA contains ribose sugar, which differentiates it from DNA that contains deoxyribose. The presence of ribose is crucial because it contributes to the overall stability and functionality of RNA.

The distinction between RNA and DNA is important in understanding molecular biology. DNA, being double-stranded and using deoxyribose sugar, offers stability needed for long-term genetic information storage. In contrast, the single-stranded nature and ribose sugar in RNA allow for more versatile structures, which are essential for its various roles in protein synthesis, such as mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. This differentiation is foundational in molecular biology and genetics.