Genetic material DNA RNA

DNA is the most common type of genetic material, however some viruses, such as retroviruses, also contain RNA. In higher species, RNA is mostly used as a messenger to communicate information. How come their roles are so different, despite the fact that they are both nucleic acids? Because of the differences in the chemical structure of DNA and RNA, scientists have determined that this is the cause of the problem. There are several characteristics that must be met by a molecule before it can be deemed genetic material. The names of them are as follows:

• Replication is the ability to create multiple copies of something.
• Its chemical and structural stability should be excellent.
• Mutation should provide a possibility for evolution to take place.
• It should be endowed with a hereditary unit that follows the rules of “Mendelian inheritance.”

DNA vs RNA

The distinction between DNA and RNA explains why DNA rather than RNA is used as the genetic material in humans. With the use of comparisons between DNA and RNA, it is clear that both nucleic acids have the ability to replicate. The ability to maintain stability is a crucial condition for continuity. This criteria is met by the DNA molecule. Griffith’s experiment confirmed this conclusion beyond any reasonable doubt. When given the optimal conditions, the heat-killed S strain bacteria were able to regain their virulent properties and reproduce. In the case of RNA, the presence of the 2′-OH group increases the reactivity of the molecule. In this way, DNA is shown to be less reactive chemically and physically than RNA, proving to be more stable. Thymine increases the stability of DNA compared to RNA, where it is substituted by uracil.

Because of the fragile nature of RNA, it is more susceptible to mutation. This characteristic is advantageous for viruses that carry RNA since the genetic material evolves at a quicker rate. Finally, when it comes to the manifestation of Mendelian traits, RNA is significantly more rapid than DNA. That is, RNA can code for protein synthesis on its own, whereas DNA can only code for protein synthesis through the mediation of RNA. In the process of protein synthesis, RNA serves as a messenger between DNA and the ribosome.

Despite the fact that both nucleic acids can function as genetic material, DNA is the nucleic acid of choice. DNA is chemically and structurally stable, which allows it to function as a well-constructed genetic material. RNA in humans does not function as a genetic material, but rather serves a variety of different functions such as adaptor, enzyme, and aid in protein synthesis, among others. RNA serves as a carrier for information that has to be exchanged between two or more cells.

Conclusion

In a cell, genetic material is the substance that is passed down from one person to the next. It has all the information that is unique to that organism. It is called DNA or RNA (ribonucleic acid).

DNA is found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes like bacteria. Some of the DNA in plants and animals is found outside of the cell’s nucleus in places like mitochondria and chloroplasts. This is called “extranuclear DNA,” or mtDNA (containing cpDNA).

The genetic material determines how the organism is made, and it is the same in all of the cells of a multicellular organism’s somatic cells. The cell’s genetic material can make new cells that have the same genetic material as the cell that made them.

There are genetic materials in the form of plasmids that can be found. plasmids are parts of bacteria’s DNA that aren’t inside their chromosomes. Each one is unique, round, supercoiled, and much smaller than chromosomal genetic information. Plasmids usually have information about traits that aren’t very important, like antibiotic resistance and the ability to make toxins. Plasmids can reproduce on their own, without the help of the cell. Conjugative plasmids can be shared between bacteria, which can lead to new features in the recipient cell.