Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic acids are the key macromolecules of life. They are polymers made of smaller monomers called nucleotides, which undergo condensation reactions. The two types of nucleic acids you'll learn about are deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and ribonucleic acid, or RNA. Both DNA and RNA are essential in cellular processes and development. All living things - both eukaryotic and prokaryotic - contain nucleic acids, including animals, plants and bacteria. Even viruses, which are considered non-living entities, contain nucleic acids as you can see in the diagram below.

Nucleic acids, location of DNA, StudySmarter Fig. 1 - DNA is located in a eukaryotic cell (left) and a virus (right)

DNA and RNA are composed of three common components: a phosphate group, a pentose sugar and an organic nitrogenous base. The combination of these components, called the base sequence (shown below), holds all the genetic information needed for all life.

Nucleic acids, DNA base sequence, StudySmarter Fig. 2 - DNA base sequence

Why are nucleic acids important?

Nucleic acids are amazing molecules that contain the genetic instructions to make our cellular components. They are present in every cell (except mature erythrocytes) to direct the functioning of each cell and its functions.

DNA is a remarkable macromolecule found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells that holds all the information needed to create proteins. The base sequence of DNA holds this code. This same DNA is passed down to offspring, so subsequent generations possess the ability to create these essential proteins. This means that DNA plays a major role in the continuity of life as it is the blueprint for organizational development.

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA. RNA is involved in the transfer of the information stored in DNA and the 'reading' of the base sequence, both of which are processes in protein synthesis. This nucleic acid type is present in both transcription and translation, so it is needed in every step of protein synthesis.

This is highly important because, without RNA, proteins cannot be synthesized. There are different types of RNA that you will come across: messenger RNA (mRNA), transport RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Nucleic Acids - Key takeaways

Nucleic acids are the essential macromolecules responsible for the storage and transfer of genetic material.
The two types of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, share three common structural components: a phosphate group, a pentose sugar and a nitrogenous base.
DNA holds all the genetic information in the form of base sequences that code for proteins.
RNA facilitates the transcription and translation of the DNA base sequence in protein synthesis.
There are three different types of RNA, each with different functions: mRNA, tRNA and rRNA.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are macromolecules found in all living cells, like plants, and non-living entities, like viruses. DNA is the nucleic acid responsible for storing all the genetic information, while RNA facilitates the transfer of this genetic material to protein synthesis organelles.

There are two types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA and ribonucleic acid, RNA. There are also different types of RNA: messenger, transport and ribosomal RNA.

Viruses contain nucleic acids, either DNA, RNA or even both. Even though viruses are not classified as 'living cells', they still require nucleic acids to store the code for their viral proteins.

Nucleic acids are organic molecules as they contain carbon, hydrogen and are found in living cells.

Nucleic acids are composed of monomeric units called nucleotides. In animals, these nucleotides are primarily made in the liver or obtained from our diet. In other organisms like plants and bacteria, metabolic pathways use available nutrients to synthesize nucleotides.

Flashcards in Nucleic Acids41

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Both DNA and RNA are _____ acids.

Nucleic.

Compare the functions of DNA and RNA.

DNA stores genetic information while RNA transfers this genetic information for protein synthesis.

Where is DNA found in the cells of eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

In eukaryotes, DNA is in the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplast (in plants).

In prokaryotes, DNA is in the nucleoid and plasmids.

Where is RNA found in the cells of eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

In eukaryotes, RNA is in the nucleolus and ribosomes.

In prokaryotes, RNA is in the nucleoid, plasmids and ribosomes.

Identify the three different types of RNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomes RNA (rRNA).

What nitrogenous bases can DNA nucleotides have?

Adenine, thymine, cytosine or guanine.

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Nucleic Acids

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic Acids

Why are nucleic acids important?

Nucleic Acids - Key takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Nucleic Acids

What are nucleic acids and their functions?

What are the types of nucleic acids?

Do viruses have nucleic acids?

Are nucleic acids organic?

Where do nucleic acids come from?

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