why does DNA possess hydrogen bonds but RNA does not?

Answer 1

In fact much of RNA *does* have hydrogen bonds. The molecule can fold back on itself if there are complementary sequences and it will form a double stranded sequence in that region. The extra oxygen on the ribose means that the bonds are not as strong as in DNA, but it still allows a complex 3D structure to form, which is the basis for some RNAs having enzymatic properties. Double stranded RNA is also found in some viruses.

Answer 2

DNA possess hydrogen bonds because of complementary base pairing . and this complementary base pairing is the foundation of very sophisticated double helical structure of DNA . but at the same time saying that RNA doesn't possess hydrogen bonds is not hundred percent correct. because even in RNA intrastrand base pairing is seen . and the type of bonding seen in this intra strand base pairing is nothing but hydrogen bonding . though intra strand base pairing in RNA is not phenomenal it really happens to some extent . so this only says that though normally RNA has got no hydrogen bonding it is indeed capable of forming them whenever time arises.

Answer 3

Hydrogen bonds in nucleic acid are involved holding 2 strands together. DNA is double-stranded and held together with hydrogen bonding.

There are instances however where a single molecule of RNA can fold over on itself to form "stem and loop" structures. A molecule of tRNA forms these type of structures and the "stem" portions are held together with hydrogen bonding.

Answer 4

OK, this is a real novice answer. But all I know is that RNA attaches to DNA to extend or do something else (makes strands). Maybe what DNA does needs hydrogen and what RNA does doesn't need hydrogen. Maybe RNA uses the hydrogen in the DNA. I searched RNA on the internet, and wow, what complicated, technical stuff!!

Answer 5

DNA is a double stranded right-handed helix that is stabilized by the hydrogen bonding between base pairs (A with T, C with G). In RNA, there is no second strand...it's like an open template so that proteins can be synthesized from the base pair order. So there is no hydrogen bonds between opposing base pairs.

Answer 6

DNA is a "double-stranded" helix and the two strands are bound together by amino acid groups purines (Adenine and Guanine) binding via hydrogen bonds to pyridimines (Cytosine and Thymine)

cytosine and guanine form a triple hydrogen bond
and adenine and thymine form a duble hydrogen bond

RNA is a single-strand and the strands do not bind together to form double-helix RNA strands in nature

Answer 7

because DNA is double stranded and RNA is not