Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

Biological molecules including DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material that houses instructions for protein production.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, involved in carrying genetic instructions from DNA to synthesize proteins.

Gene

Segments of DNA that carry information for producing proteins.

Nucleotide

Monomer or building block of nucleic acids, composed of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Phosphate group

Part of a nucleotide with a phosphorous atom bound to four oxygen atoms, contributing to the overall negative charge of nucleic acids.

Pentose

A 5-carbon sugar found in nucleotides; DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.

Nitrogenous base

Molecule that distinguishes different nucleotides; includes adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

Base pairing

Specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases; A pairs with T in DNA and with U in RNA; G pairs with C in both.

Double helix

The twisted ladder structure of DNA formed by two complementary strands held together by hydrogen bonds.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

RNA type that copies genetic information from DNA and carries it to the rest of the cell.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

RNA type that brings the appropriate amino acids to build proteins according to mRNA instructions.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

RNA type that forms peptide bonds between amino acids to create protein chains.

Uracil (U)

Nitrogenous base found only in RNA, replacing thymine found in DNA.

Adenine (A)

Nitrogenous base that pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA.

Thymine (T)

Nitrogenous base found only in DNA that pairs with adenine.

Cytosine (C)

Nitrogenous base that pairs with guanine in both DNA and RNA.

Guanine (G)

Nitrogenous base that pairs with cytosine in both DNA and RNA.