RNA and DNA are both nucleic acids, but they differ in structure as well as in function. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is double-stranded and contains deoxyribose sugar and is thus more stable. It employs thymine (T) as one of its four nitrogenous bases, complemented by adenine (A). DNA mainly contains genetic information and acts as a blueprint for cell functions. DNA is mainly localized in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and is able to self-replicate in the process of cell division.
RNA (ribonucleic acid), however, is single-stranded with ribose sugar and is less stable. In place of thymine, RNA possesses uracil (U), which pairs with adenine. RNA performs multiple functions in protein synthesis such as messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). RNA, unlike DNA, is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and assists in translating genetic information into proteins. Certain RNA molecules possess enzymatic activities that play a role in biochemical reactions inside cells.