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Nucleic acid is a chemical molecule found in nature that can be broken down to produce phosphoric acid, sugars, and a combination of organic bases (purines and pyrimidines). Nucleic acids are the cell’s major information-carrying molecules, and they control the inherited traits of all living things by guiding protein production.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are the two main types of nucleic acids (RNA). DNA is the master blueprint for life and is found in all free-living creatures and most viruses. RNA is the genetic material of some viruses, but it is also found in all living cells, where it plays a vital part in processes like protein synthesis.
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA, is a molecule that contains the instructions that an organism requires to develop, live, and reproduce. Every cell contains these instructions passed down from parents to their children.
It is a nucleic acid, and it is one of the four major types of macromolecules known to be necessary for all forms of life. DNA is found in the nucleus in eukaryotes, with a small amount also present in the mitochondria.
Properties of Nucleic Acids
Physical and Chemical Properties of DNA
Structure
Because DNA resembles a twisted ladder, its structure is called a double helix.
The ladder’s sides are made up of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate molecules, while the steps are made up of two nitrogen bases.
There are four different types of nitrogen bases. Adenine is a kind of adenine (A) Guanine (T) Thymine (G) Cytosine is a kind of amino acid (C) Pairing of DNA. The nitrogen bases have a distinct pattern of pairing.
Because the quantity of adenine equals the amount of thymine, and the amount of guanine equals the amount of cytosine, this pairing pattern arises. Hydrogen bonds hold the two pairs together.
- Right, and left-handed DNA helices exist. However, the right-handed helices in the B – conformation of DNA are the most stable.
- When two strands of DNA are heated, they separate and then re-hybridize when cooled.
- Melting temperature is when the two strands entirely separate (Tm). The melting temperature varies depending on the sequence.
- Because the C-G pair has three hydrogen bonds, the B sample of DNA with a higher melting point must have more C-G content.
- The amino acid sequence in every animal protein is encoded by the sequence of bases along the DNA molecule.
What is Ribonucleic acid (RNA)?
RNA, also known as ribonucleic acid, is a nucleotide polymer composed of ribose sugar, phosphate, and bases, including adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
It’s a polymeric molecule that plays a variety of biological tasks, including gene coding, decoding, control, and expression.
Physical and Chemical Properties of RNA
Structure
A single-stranded helix is RNA.
The strand has a phosphate group at the 5′ end and a 3′ end (with a hydroxyl group).
Ribonucleotides are the building blocks of DNA.
3′ > 5′ phosphodiester bonds bind the ribonucleotides together.
Adenine, cytosine, uracil, and guanine are nitrogenous bases that makeup ribonucleotides.
RNA is created in the nucleolus and travels to specific cytoplasmic locations based on the kind of RNA produced.
RNA is more reactive than DNA and is unstable in alkaline environments because it contains ribose sugar. The more prominent helical grooves in RNA make it more vulnerable to enzyme attack.
RNA strands are created, broken down, and reused regularly.
RNA is more resistant to UV radiation damage than DNA.
The mutation rate of RNA is much higher.
There may be unusual bases present.
The amount of RNA in each cell might vary.
RNA is more adaptable than DNA, and it may perform a wide range of functions in an organism.
Renaturation occurs quickly after melting.
Functions of DNA and RNA
DNA
In most living creatures, DNA serves as the genetic material. It transmits genetic information from generation to generation and from cell to cell.
As a result, its primary functions are:
Keeping genetic records
Protein synthesis control
Identifying genetic code
Metabolic activity, evolution, heredity, and differentiation are all directly influenced by this protein.
It is a stable molecule that can store more complex information for longer.
RNA
RNA of various forms is engaged in a variety of biological processes. RNA’s key roles include:
Make it easier for DNA to be translated into proteins.
In protein production, it acts as an adaptor molecule.
Between the DNA and the ribosomes, it acts as a messenger.
All living cells are the carriers of genetic information.
Encourages ribosomes to select the appropriate amino acid to form new proteins in the body.
Conclusion
Nucleic acids are macromolecules that can be found alone or combined with other chemicals in every live cell. These long strands are formed by the end-to-end polymerization of many nucleotide units coupled with phosphodiester bonds. The term “nucleic acid” refers to a class of large molecules found in cells.
The sugar deoxyribose is found in DNA, while ribose is in RNA. Ribose has one more -OH group than deoxyribose, which has a -H group connected to the second (2′) carbon in the ring. RNA is a single-stranded molecule, whereas DNA is double-stranded. DNA and RNA have differing chemical characteristics resulting from these changes, as seen above.
