c. What is RNA and DNA? Describe them.

RNA, or Ribonucleic Acid, and DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, are two types of nucleic acids found in all living cells. They are both involved in the process of genetic information storage and retrieval, but they have different structures and functions.

1. DNA: DNA is a double-stranded molecule that forms a double helix. It is composed of two strands of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases, forming a structure that looks like a twisted ladder. DNA is located in the cell nucleus and is responsible for storing and transferring genetic information.

2. RNA: RNA is a single-stranded molecule that can fold into complex three-dimensional shapes. It is composed of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar (ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, uracil, cytosine, or guanine). Unlike DNA, RNA can leave the nucleus and is involved in protein synthesis. There are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes; transfer RNA (tRNA), which brings the correct amino acid to the ribosome during protein synthesis; and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which is a component of the ribosome.

In summary, while both DNA and RNA are involved in storing and retrieving genetic information, they have different structures and functions within the cell.