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kishtik
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Why there is uracil in RNA instead of thymine and why not in DNA?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Uracil is used in RNA instead of thymine because it is more reactive and can facilitate the necessary chemical reactions for protein synthesis. Additionally, uracil can easily form hydrogen bonds with adenine, making it an efficient base pair in RNA.
Uracil cannot replace thymine in DNA because thymine is a more stable base and helps maintain the integrity of the DNA molecule. Thymine also has a methyl group, which helps distinguish it from uracil and prevents errors in DNA replication.
Uracil plays a crucial role in RNA by helping to carry the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. It also helps to form the necessary base pairs with adenine during transcription.
Thymine is used in DNA instead of uracil because it is more stable and less prone to mutations. The presence of a methyl group in thymine also helps to protect the DNA molecule from damage by certain chemicals and UV radiation.
There are a few exceptions to the use of uracil in RNA, such as in some viruses where they use uracil in their DNA. Additionally, some organisms, such as the bacterium Thermus thermophilus, use a modified form of uracil called dihydrouracil in their RNA.