Genetic Information
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids
- Nucleic acids store genetic information . The genetic information is used for making proteins that are essential to the function of all livings things.
- The monomers or building blocks of nucleic acids are nucleotides.
- Important nucleic acids are: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
DNA
- DNA is a double-stranded molecule in a shape of a double helix.
- DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell.
- A DNA nucleotide consists of a phosphate (PO), deoxyribose sugar, & the four nitrogen bases: (A), (T), (C) & (G). In DNA, A pairs with T and C pairs with G.
RNA
- RNA is a single-stranded molecule.
- RNA is made (transcribed) in the nucleus of the cell. It then carries the genetic code out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm where the code can be translated at the ribosome.
- A RNA nucleotide consists of a phosphate (PO), ribose sugar, & the four nitrogen bases: (A), (U), (C) & (G). In RNA, A pairs with U and C pairs with G.