Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information. There are two main types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Structure of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), while in RNA, thymine is replaced by uracil (U).

Functions of Nucleic Acids

1. Genetic Information Storage: DNA contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms.

2. Protein Synthesis: RNA is involved in protein synthesis by carrying the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

3. Regulation of Gene Expression: Nucleic acids play a key role in regulating the expression of genes, determining which proteins are produced in a cell at a given time.

Study Guide

What are the two main types of nucleic acids?
What are the components of a nucleotide?
Differentiate between the nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA.
Explain the function of nucleic acids in genetic information storage.
How does RNA participate in protein synthesis?
Discuss the role of nucleic acids in regulating gene expression.

◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Elements - Set I

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)

Matter and Its Interactions

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.

Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.