Question
Biology Question on the molecular basis of inheritance
Which one of the following is not applicable to RNA?
A
Heterocyclic nitrogenous bases
B
Chargaff's rule
C
Complementary base pairing
D
5' phosphoryl and 3' hydroxyl ends
Answer
Chargaff's rule
Explanation
Solution
Chargaff's rules are applicable only for double stranded DNA molecule. These are not applicable for single stranded DNA or RNA molecules. Chargaffs rules state that DNA helices contain equal molar ratios of A and T, G and C. This is because in a ds DNA molecule, complementary base pairing occurs between A and T, and C and G base pairs. This complementary base pairing is not possible in case of single stranded RNA molecule. Thus, ChargafTs rules are not applicable to RNA.