Which among the following group makes RNA labile and easily degradable ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2)- 2'-OH group in the ribose sugar.
Among the options provided, the 2'-OH group in RNA is what makes it more labile and prone to degradation compared to DNA.
The presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 2' carbon in the ribose sugar of RNA molecules makes RNA more susceptible to hydrolysis and degradation than DNA, which lacks the 2'-OH group. This 2'-OH group in RNA can facilitate hydrolysis reactions that lead to the degradation of RNA molecules in cellular environments, making RNA more labile compared to DNA.
It is the 2'-OH group specifically that contributes significantly to RNA's susceptibility to degradation.