In RNA, which base is used in place of thymine?

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

In RNA, which base is used in place of thymine?

Explanation:
RNA uses uracil in place of thymine. Uracil pairs with adenine during transcription, forming two hydrogen bonds just like thymine does with adenine in DNA. The key difference is that uracil lacks the methyl group found on thymine, which fits the needs of RNA’s ribose-based, generally shorter-lived molecules and makes synthesis more economical for the cell. So, the base used in RNA instead of thymine is uracil. Cytosine pairs with guanine, and adenine pairs with uracil in RNA.

RNA uses uracil in place of thymine. Uracil pairs with adenine during transcription, forming two hydrogen bonds just like thymine does with adenine in DNA. The key difference is that uracil lacks the methyl group found on thymine, which fits the needs of RNA’s ribose-based, generally shorter-lived molecules and makes synthesis more economical for the cell. So, the base used in RNA instead of thymine is uracil. Cytosine pairs with guanine, and adenine pairs with uracil in RNA.

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