Nucleic acids

From The School of Biomedical Sciences Wiki
Revision as of 15:49, 28 November 2011 by 100510483 (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

 A nucleic acid (such as DNA or RNA) are linear molecules found in the form of a polymer, and carry information which is able to be passed on from generation to generation. They are made up of Nucleotides that are linked together, which is composed of a sugar, a Phosphate and a base. This forms the backbone to the structure, whilst the bases carry the genetic information.[1]

RNA and DNA

RNA and DNA are nucleic acids involved in Transcription and Translation. DNA is transcribed into a form of RNA called messenger RNA (MRNA), which is then translated into a Protein. Both of these nucleic acids differ slightly in terms of the sugar component and one of the bases in their structure. [2]












References

  1. Berg J.M, Tymoczko J.L, Stryer L (2007) Biochemistry Sixth Edition: 107
  2. Berg J.M, Tymoczko J.L, Stryer L (2007) Biochemistry Sixth Edition: 107-108