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Which sugar is found in RNA?

  1. Deoxyribose

  2. Ribose

  3. Glucose

  4. Fructose

The correct answer is: Ribose

Ribose is the sugar found in RNA, and it plays a crucial role in the structure and function of ribonucleic acid. RNA is composed of ribonucleotides, which include a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The presence of ribose distinguishes RNA from DNA, which contains deoxyribose. Deoxyribose lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose, which is significant because this structural difference contributes to the stability and overall function of the two nucleic acids. Glucose and fructose, while important in metabolic processes and energy production, are not components of RNA. Instead, they serve different roles primarily related to energy storage and provision in living organisms. Thus, ribose is uniquely associated with RNA, making it the correct choice in this context.