Why is it that RNA can catalyze reactions but DNA cannot?

The major reason why DNA cannot catalyze reactions but RNA can is basically due to the fact that RNA sugar is very much reactive than DNA sugar. In cells, proteins and RNA combine together to form structures that are named ribosomes. The active site for the formation of the peptide bond is contained in ribosomes.

.The RNA has the capability to catalyze chemical reactions and store genetic information, and which has led to the hypothesis that RNA predates proteins and DNA. By nature, RNA has been observed to be able to only catalyze just two classes of reactions, and these are peptide bond formation and phosphoryl transfer.

Nevertheless, these ribozymes occur naturally and make use of a broad range of catalytic strategies which other reaction can also apply. RNA has limited functional groups, and it is also a versatile molecule that has the ability to catalyze the reactions that are needed to sustain their life.

The sugar of RNA is much more reactive than the sugar of DNA. RNA is an acronym for ribonucleic acid, and it is a molecule made up of nucleotides, and it is found inside the cell structure. Each nucleotide in RNA is comprised of a nitrogen base, ribosomal sugar, and phosphate.

The nitrogenous RNAs include adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil, which replaces thymine in DNA. RNA is a complex combination of high molecular weight that functions in cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA as a genetic code carrier in some viruses. It has numerous biological roles in coding and decoding, control and expression of genes.

Unlike DNA, RNA is constructed as a chain of nucleotides, but unlike DNA, RNA is found in nature as a single-strand folded onto itself, rather than a paired double-strand. It is mostly discovered within the nucleus of cells. DNA is present in all live beings and contains the genetic instructions necessary to develop and maintain life.

The main reason for this is due to the sugar that can be found in RNA. You will notice that in RNA, the sugars are considered to be more reactive. This means that you can also expect some extra oxygen. DNA molecules will also have a higher level of guanine and cytosine.

These are already stable, so the chances that they will be reacting will not be too high, especially when compared to RNA. RNA will have uracil instead of thymine. Since RNA is single−stranded, RNA can easily leave the nucleus. This is something that DNA will not be able to do. DNA is also missing oxygen.