Nucleic acid

Definition

Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all known forms of life, composed of monomers called nucleotides. They include DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are the two types of nucleic acids.
2. Nucleotides, the building blocks of nucleic acids, consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
3. DNA is double-stranded and forms a double helix structure; RNA is usually single-stranded.
4. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the genetic code used for protein synthesis.
5. RNA plays various roles such as messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the process of translating genetic information into proteins.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of nucleic acids?
• Describe the basic components that make up a nucleotide.
• What is the primary structural difference 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.

genetic code: The set of rules by which information encoded in DNA or RNA sequences is translated into proteins by living cells.