AAMC FL Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Test

Question: 1 / 400

What distinguishes ribose sugar in RNA from deoxyribose sugar?

It has a 3' OH

It has a 2' OH

Ribose sugar in RNA is characterized by having a hydroxyl (OH) group attached to the 2' carbon atom. This differentiates ribose from deoxyribose, which is the sugar found in DNA. In deoxyribose, the hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon is absent, and instead, this position only has a hydrogen atom, hence the name "deoxy," meaning it lacks an oxygen atom at that position.

The presence of the 2' OH in ribose contributes to the structural properties of RNA, influencing its stability and the types of reactions it can participate in, such as self-cleavage and interactions with proteins. This is essential for the function of RNA in various biological processes, including protein synthesis and catalysis.

Understanding this distinction is vital because it helps elucidate why RNA is generally less stable than DNA, which is a key factor in biological contexts like RNA's transient role in the cell versus the more stable, long-term storage of genetic information in DNA.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

It has less oxygen

It is a hexose sugar

Next Question

Report this question

Download AAMC FL Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy