Question

Why do changes in DNA commonly cause serious effects in humans, whereas changes in RNA structure usually have little or no effect?

Answer 1

DNA stores the genetic information of a cell , which is responsible for the entire functioning of the cell an organism. RNA codes for proteins. Changes in DNA cause serious effects than RNA because: the function of RNA is only to codecode for the synthesis of proteins. If one goes wrong , it can be repaired or gets neglected because it cannot cause a noticable difference in the functioning of a cell or an organism. But if the DNA gets damaged, there is no way to repair it and a small change can cause a huge difference in the functioning of an organism, since it stores the entire genetic information of the cell. The functioning of cell will be improper. Since the DNA is the key to produce RNA, any change in the DNA can affect the production of RNA and hence can completely alter the production of protein. This will lead to the malfunctioning of the cell and the entire organism will be affected. DNA is also resposible for the production of many other substances and storage of genetic information. Everything will be ruined if there is a slight change in the DNA