Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are undoubtedly one of the most important macromolecules for continuing life on the planet. Our hereditary information is stored in these acid molecules based on proteins, and this information is passed on to the next generation. Moreover, these molecules are also important for the formation of some important compounds in the body. The process of how these molecules work is pretty fascinating. Let us take a quick look and see what these macromolecules are and how they work. 

Roles that Nucleic acids play in a cell 

Nucleic acids are present in two naturally occurring states which are DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid and RNA or ribonucleic acid. We know that these are present in all living organisms, from single-celled organisms to multi-cell organisms like mammals and plants. However, some viruses do not contain DNA and use RNA to transfer genetic information. But we don’t consider them as living as they cannot sustain themselves without a host.

DNA is found in the nucleus and mitochondria of cells. In eukaryotic cells, DNA is present inside a membranous envelope, whereas in the prokaryotic cells, the DNA is not present in any such membranous structure. However, it is present in a specialized space which is known as the nucleoid.

Also, the DNA is broken in the form of chromosomes like long strands in the eukaryotic cells. However, in the prokaryotic cells, these chromosomes are present as smaller or circular structures. These chromosomes might contain genetic information needed by the cell to work in a particular way.

Coming from DNA and proteins 

The genes encode how proteins will align themselves, and this means that they will specify how the amino acids will stack themselves to ensure that the organism is built in a certain way. However, before this information is used for synthesizing proteins, a transcript copy of RNA is made. This transcript copy of RNA is known as the messenger RNA or mRNA. This name is given to the RNA because it serves as the messenger between the ribosomes and the DNA, which in turn helps in building the proteins. This progression from the DNA to RNA and finally to protein is known as central dogma. 

It should be noted that all the genes do not encode the protein products but specify ribosomal RNAs, which are also known as rRNA. These rRNAs work as the structural component for ribosomes. There are transfer RNAs or tRNAs, which are cloverleaf-shaped and bring proteins to the ribosomes. There are other RNAs, too, like microRNAs or miRNAs, which work for regulating the genes. 

Nucleotides: The building blocks of nucleic acids 

We can consider DNA and RNA as polymers, whereas DNA can be considered as very long polymers. These polymers are made up of monomers known as nucleotides. These nucleotides combine to form a chain which is known as a polynucleotide. 

There are three parts to these nucleotides, namely;

• Nitrogenous base 
• Five carbon sugar or pentose sugar 
• Phosphate group or groups 

The central position in the nucleic acid is occupied by the sugar molecule in a nucleotide. The base is attached to one of the carbons, and the phosphate group/s is attached to one of the other ends.

The function of Nucleic Acids in the human body

There are multiple functions of nucleic acid in the body. These are, 

• The genetic information of the parent is transmitted to the offspring with the help of these nucleic acids.
• These nucleic acids are also responsible for developing proteins inside the body. 
• The method of solving crimes has been used with the help of DNA fingerprinting. With this, forensic experts can find the paternity of an individual. This also helps the forensic experts to find criminals with their DNAs. One can also learn about the evolution of different species with the help of DNA fingerprinting.

Conclusion 

Now you must understand what nucleic acid is and how they work in our body. Moreover, you must have understood how proteins are synthesised in the human body. The role of RNA and DNA is also specified as to how nucleotides are formed and what their structures are. We hope this article will come into your use and help to solve some of your questions. With this information, you can solve any question which might come your way on the topic of nucleic acid.