[Nelly (OP)]

Why is DNA missing oxygen on carbon number two, and what would happen if this carbon was added? Why is RNA not missing this oxygen ?

[Quantumcat]

Because That's The Way Things Are (in other words - I don't know [shame on me])

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[chris]

They are 2 different sugars (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA).

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Quantumcat]

Oh is that what she meant?

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[tom]

quote:Originally posted by Nelly

Why is DNA missing oygen on carbon number two? and what if this carbon was added. Why does RNA not missing this carbon?

Because of absence of 2' OH group:
-DNA can addopt B-form of double helix (RNA cannot), form that allows all proceses on DNA
-DNA is more stable - doesn't hydrolyse like RNA and so is suitable to be a carrier of genetic information......
Enough?
Tom

[Quantumcat]

Ahhhh a better explanation.

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!