Nucleic Acids: Definition, Types & Example

Nucleic Acids

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.

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Flashcards in Nucleic Acids 41

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DNA is the abbreviation for ___________ ______.

Deoxyribonucleic acid.

What are the components of both nucleic acid types?

A phosphate group, a pentose sugar and a nitrogenous base.

What kind of macromolecules are nucleic acids?

Polymers made of monomers called nucleotides.

What are the two types of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA.

What reaction is needed to synthesize nucleic acid?

Condensation reactions between nucleotides.

What kind of cells contain nucleic acids?

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, such as animals, plants and bacteria. Also, non-living entities such as viruses.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nucleic Acids

What are nucleic acids and their functions?

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.

What are the types of nucleic acids?

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.

Do viruses have nucleic acids?

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.

Are nucleic acids organic?

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

Where do nucleic acids come from?

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.

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