26. RNA is more susceptible to hydrolytic cleavage than DNA due to structural differences. Which of the following best explains its increased instability? (A) RNA lacks complementary base pairing, reducing structural stability. (B) RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, making it more susceptible to degradation. (C) RNA lacks the double-helix structure of DNA, reducing protection from external damage. (D) RNA is more chemically reactive than DNA due to its ribose sugar. (E) The 2'-hydroxyl (-OH) group in RNA facilitates self-cleavage under alkaline conditions.