Th1L03: Nucleic Acids

Th1L03: Nucleic Acids

1. Formed via dehydration reaction

   • Polymers of nucleotides
     • Pentose sugars, phosphate, nitrogenous base
       • Back bone of RNA/DNA alternating sugar and phosphate molecules     
       • NB of DNA: Adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine
       • NB of RNA: Adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil
       • Pentose sugar: deoxyribose or ribose
       • Hydrogen bonds formed between NB

2. e.g. DNA, RNA

3. DNA vs. RNA

   • DNA is larger with a double stranded helical structural
   • RNA is single stranded

4. Biological functions

   • RNA and DNA store genetic information
   • mRNA
     • Messenger RNA
     • Copy of gene, template for protein synthesis
     • Synthesised via transcription
     • Synthesis of protein is based on the encoded information on mRNA via translation
   • rRNA
     • Ribosomal RNA
     • Structural component of the ribosome meaning it is involved in protein synthesis
   • tRNA
     • Transport RNA
     • Transport molecule for amino acids to ensure sequence of proteins encoded in mRNA is decoded