What is the molecular structure for nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are long chainlike molecules composed of a series of nearly identical building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogen-containing aromatic base attached to a pentose (five-carbon) sugar, which is in turn attached to a phosphate group.
How is the molecular structure of nucleic acid related to its function?
Nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and proteins by which living things function. The well-known structure of the DNA double helix allows this information to be copied and passed on to the next generation.
Why is the nucleic acid structure important?
Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the genetic blueprint of a cell and carry instructions for the functioning of the cell. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
What is the shape and structure of nucleic acids?
The Basics They are actually made up of chains of base pairs of nucleic acids stretching from as few as three to millions. When those pairs combine in super long chains (DNA), they make a shape called a double helix. The double helix shape is like a twisty ladder. The base pairs are the rungs.
What are nucleic acids examples?
Two examples of nucleic acids include deoxyribonucleic acid (better known as DNA) and ribonucleic acid (better known as RNA). These molecules are composed of long strands of nucleotides held together by covalent bonds. Nucleic acids can be found within the nucleus and cytoplasm of our cells.
How nucleic acids are formed?
Nucleic acids are formed when nucleotides come together through phosphodiester linkages between the 5′ and 3′ carbon atoms. They are composed of monomers, which are nucleotides made of three components: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.
What two main functions do nucleic acids have?
The functions of nucleic acids have to do with the storage and expression of genetic information. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encodes the information the cell needs to make proteins. A related type of nucleic acid, called ribonucleic acid (RNA), comes in different molecular forms that participate in protein synthesis.
What do molecules make up nucliec acids?
What Are Nucleic Acids Made Of? Nucleic Acid Structure. DNA and RNA both have chemical “backbones” made up of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules; a phosphate is a compound with the formula PO4. Nucleotides. The building block unit of a nucleic acid is called a nucleotide. Elements. Reasons for Differences.
What is the structural formula for nucleic acids?
Basic compositions of Nucleic acid structures: The basic structure of nucleic acids is Nitrogenous bases, the Sugar moiety, and the Phosphate molecule. Nucleoside = Nitrogen base + Sugar. Nucleotide = Nucleoside (Nitrogen base + Sugar) + Phosphate molecule.
What are the structural units of nucleic acids?
The building block unit of a nucleic acid is called a nucleotide. A nucleotide consists of a single sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogen-containing base. There are four different bases each in DNA and RNA . Both DNA and RNA contain the bases adenine , guanine , and cytosine.
What is the function of molecule for nucleic acid?
Nucleic acids are molecules that allow organisms to transfer genetic information from one generation to the next . These macromolecules store the genetic information that determines traits and makes protein synthesis possible.