What is a characteristic feature of RNA compared to DNA?

The characteristic feature that distinguishes RNA from DNA is that RNA contains uracil instead of thymine. In DNA, the bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine occur, while in RNA, thymine is replaced by uracil. This difference in nitrogenous bases is significant because it plays a role in the functions and stability of the nucleic acids. RNA's incorporation of uracil allows it to participate in various biological processes, including protein synthesis, where it is transcribed from DNA and translated into protein.

Understanding this difference is key in molecular biology, as it not only highlights the structural variations between these two types of nucleic acids but also reflects their distinct roles in cellular processes. The presence of uracil in RNA influences its capability for rapid synthesis and degradation, which is essential in processes such as transcription and translation.