| Characteristic | DNA | RNA |
|---|---|---|
| Composed of nucleotides | Yes | Yes |
| Type of sugar | Deoxyribose | Ribose |
| Presence of 2′-OH group | No | Yes |
| Bases | A, G, C, T | A, G, C, U |
| Nucleotides joined by phosphodiester bonds | Yes | Yes |
| Double or single stranded | Usually double | Usually single |
| Secondary structure | Double helix | Many types |
| Stability | Stable | Easily degraded |