BIO NMDCAT Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
nmdcat.online July 3, 2026

33. The structural integrity of RNA is lower than that of DNA because the 2′ hydroxyl group on the ribose sugar

A. Increases susceptibility to alkaline hydrolysis
B. Prevents the formation of phosphodiester bonds
C. Inhibits the binding of pyrimidine bases
D. Promotes spontaneous double-helix formation

📝 Explanation

The 2' -OH group acts as a nucleophile that can attack the adjacent phosphodiester backbone, making RNA chemically less stable than DNA.

📖 Additional Information

  • Increases susceptibility to alkaline hydrolysis
  • Prevents the formation of phosphodiester bonds
  • Inhibits the binding of pyrimidine bases
  • Promotes spontaneous double-helix formation

The 2' -OH group acts as a nucleophile that can attack the adjacent phosphodiester backbone, making RNA chemically less stable than DNA.

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