A1.2 Nucleic acids

From topic A1. Unity and diversity

What does DNA stand for

Deoxyribonucleic acid

What are the two types of nucleic acids in living organisms?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)

What are the chains of repeating monomers that make up nucleic acids called? How do they join together?

Nucleic acids are chains of repeating monomers called nucleotides. Nucleotides join together to form the nucleic acid polymer by a condensation reaction called polymerisation. Therefore nucleotides are considered to be the building blocks of nucleic acids.

What is DNA (simple answer)

DNA is the genetic material of all living organisms.

What are the 4 major types of biological molecules upon which life is based?

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic Acids

What are the two primary functions of Nucleic Acids.

1. Pass information between generations

2. Code for protein production.

Explain the first primary function of Nucleic Acids: Pass information between generations.

Through DNA replication, the information stored in DNA is passed from cell to cell through generations. As a result, DNA is considered the molecule of heredity in all living organisms.

Explain the second primary function of Nucleic Acids:code for protein production.

The sequence of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids forms a code that stores information that is used to make proteins in the process of gene expression. There is a limitless capacity of DNA to store information.