Nucleic acids

Definition

Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information. They include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DNA consists of two strands forming a double helix, while RNA is typically single-stranded.
2. The monomers of nucleic acids are nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
3. There are four nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G); in RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine.
4. DNA is responsible for storing genetic information, whereas RNA is involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
5. Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes involving nucleic acids where DNA is copied to RNA which then directs protein synthesis.

Review Questions

• What are the primary functions of DNA and RNA?
• Describe the structure of a nucleotide.
• How do the nitrogenous bases differ between DNA and RNA?

Related terms

Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Double Helix: The spiral structure formed by two strands of DNA held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.

Protein Synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins using the information encoded in mRNA transcribed from DNA.