Double-stranded RNA

Some RNAs are double stranded (for example, some viral RNAs). Double-stranded RNA is a double helix with a slightly larger diameter structure than the familiar double-stranded DNA. To learn more about double-stranded RNA and its role in cellular function, see the companion feature on RNAi.

Side View End View
RNA
Side view of a double strand of R-N-A, depicted as a pair of loosely coiled strands made of clustered green balls clustered yellow balls.
End view of a double strand of R-N-A, depicted as an O-shaped cluster of yellow balls surrounded by a larger O-shaped cluster of green balls.
DNA
Side view of a D-N-A helix, depicted as a pair of tightly coiled strands of clustered green balls around a pair of clustered yellow balls.
End view of a D-N-A helix, depicted as a cluster of yellow balls surrounded by clumps of green balls.