What is the Difference Between ssDNA and dsDNA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) lies in their structure and stability. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Structure: ssDNA consists of a single linear strand of nucleic acid sequence, while dsDNA has two DNA strands bound by hydrogen bonds in a helical fashion.
- Abundance: dsDNA is found in almost all organisms, while ssDNA is found in a few viruses and is abundant in viruses of extreme conditions and marine environments.
- Shape: dsDNA is linear or filamentous, while ssDNA is usually stellate or star-shaped.
- Stability: dsDNA is more stable than ssDNA, which is less stiff and less stable.
- A:T and G:C Ratio: dsDNA has an A:T ratio of 1 and a G:C ratio of 1, while ssDNA has an A:T ratio of approximately 0.77 and a G:C ratio of 1.3.
- Melting: The process of dsDNA becoming ssDNA is called melting, which occurs at high pH, low salt, and high temperature.
In summary, ssDNA is a single linear strand of DNA, while dsDNA consists of two strands bound together in a helical structure. dsDNA is more stable and found in almost all organisms, whereas ssDNA is less stable and found in some viruses and extreme environments.
Comparative Table: ssDNA vs dsDNA
Here is a table comparing the differences between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA):
Feature | ssDNA | dsDNA |
---|---|---|
Structure | Single linear strand | Two complementary strands bound by hydrogen bonds in a helical fashion |
Abundance | Found in a few viruses | Most organisms have dsDNA |
Shape | Linear or filamentous | Stellate or star-shaped |
Stability | Less stable | More stable |
A:T Ratio | ∼0.77 | 1 |
G:C Ratio | 1.3 | 1 |
Chargaff’s Rule | Does not follow | Follows |
Reaction to Formaldehyde | Highly susceptible | Resistant |
Purine:Pyrimidine Ratio | Variable | 1 |
ssDNA is a single linear strand of nucleic acid sequence and is found abundantly in viruses of extreme conditions and marine environments. It has a highly variable purine: pyrimidine ratio and does not follow Chargaff's rule. On the other hand, dsDNA is composed of two complementary strands of nucleotides that are held together by hydrogen bonds. It is more stable than ssDNA and follows Chargaff's rule.
- ssRNA vs dsRNA
- DNA-RNA Hybrids vs dsDNA
- DNA vs DNAse
- DNA vs cDNA
- rDNA vs cDNA
- DNA vs RNA
- dNTP vs DdNTP
- 16s rRNA vs 16s rDNA
- B DNA vs Z DNA
- DNA vs Chromosome
- DNA vs RNA Structure
- Gene vs DNA
- GDSS vs DSS
- Repetitive DNA vs Satellite DNA
- dATP vs ddATP
- DNA vs RNA Isolation
- Plasmid DNA vs Chromosomal DNA
- CDS vs cDNA
- DNA vs RNA Synthesis