Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids
• Nucleic acids are polimers of specific nucleotides.
• The nucleic acids are two different types.
1) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and
2) Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acid are
•the chemical link between generations
•the source of genetic information in chromosomes
•molecules that store information for cellular
growth and reproduction
Functions of Nucleic Acids
• Nucleic Acids dictate amino-acid sequence in proteins.
• Nucleic Acids give information to chromosomes,
which is then passed from parent to offspring.
Nucleotides
Nucleotides have a distinctive structure composed of three companent covalently bound together:
α nitrogen containing ‘‘base’’ – either a pyrimidine or purine
α 5-carbon sugar – ribose or deoxyribose
α phosphate group.
Nucleoside
•Nucleoside is a sugar-base compound.
•A nucleotide without a phosphate group is called
nucleoside.
DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell.
Chromosomes are made of DNA,
DNA carries the genetic code and transmits
genetic information from one generation to the
next.
RNA - Ribonucleic Acid
Involved in the transcription/translation of genetic material (DNA)
RNA is formed from DNA; is responsible for the protein synthesis and transmission of genetic
information. It is very essential in the formation of proteins stored in the ribosomes of a cell.
There are three different types of ribonucleic acid:
tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA.
RNA - Ribonucleic Acid
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
Its sequence is copied from genetic DNA
It travels to ribsosomes, small granular particles in the
cytoplasm of a cell where protein synthesis takes place.
RNA - Ribonucleic Acid
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Ribosomes are a complex of proteins and rRNA
The synthesis of proteins from amino acids and ATP occurs in the ribosome
The rRNA provides both structure and catalysis
RNA - Ribonucleic Acid
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
Transports amino acids to the ribosomes where they are joined together to make proteins
There is a specific tRNA for each amino acid
