Why is RNA much less stable compared to DNA? (A) Its \( 5^{\prime} \) phosphate group (B) It has some different nitrogenous bases it uses (C) It has an hydroxyl group \( (-\mathrm{OH}) \) at the \( 2^{\prime} \) carbon on its ribose sugar instead of just a hydrogen \( (-H) \) (D) Its \( 3^{\prime} \) hydroxyl ( -OH\( ) \)

RNA's instability compared to DNA primarily stems from its structure. One major reason is that RNA has a hydroxyl group \( (-\mathrm{OH}) \) at the \( 2^{\prime} \) carbon on its ribose sugar, while DNA only has a hydrogen \( (-H) \) at that position. This additional hydroxyl group makes RNA more reactive and prone to hydrolysis, which contributes significantly to its shorter half-life in cellular environments. Furthermore, RNA often exists in single-stranded forms, making it more vulnerable to enzymatic degradation. The single-stranded nature, coupled with that reactive hydroxyl group, creates the perfect recipe for rapid breakdown, especially when exposed to the cellular conditions that favor the action of ribonucleases, enzymes that specifically target RNA. This is a crucial aspect to consider when studying RNA's role in cellular processes!