Question

What is the significance of the 2′-OH group in ribose compared to deoxyribose?

Options

• The presence of the 2′-OH group in ribose makes RNA more reactive and less stable than DNA

• The 2′-OH group increases the stability of RNA compared to DNA

• The 2′-OH group makes DNA more reactive than RNA

• The 2′-OH group has no significant effect on molecular stability

Answer 1

The 2′-OH group in ribose (RNA) compared to the lack of this group in deoxyribose (DNA) affects chemical reactivity. The hydroxyl group makes RNA more susceptible to hydrolysis, particularly in alkaline conditions, which explains why RNA is more reactive and less stable than DNA under physiological conditions.