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Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules made from nucleotides that store, transmit and help express genetic information.
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Nucleic Acids
Two major nucleic acids are:
DNA
and
RNA
DNA stores genetic instructions.
RNA helps the cell use those instructions.
Recommended for Class 9
Nucleic Acids
Definition
Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules made from nucleotides that store, transmit and help express genetic information.
Formula / Key Relation
A nucleotide contains:
a sugar; a phosphate group; * a nitrogen-containing base.
DNA is made from many nucleotides arranged in long chains.
RNA is also a nucleotide polymer but differs in sugar type, bases and typical structure.
Nucleotide:
`sugar + phosphate + nitrogenous base`
DNA bases:
A, T, G, C
RNA uses:
A, U, G, C
Nucleic Acids — Advanced
DNA stores information in the sequence of its bases.
Complementary base pairing allows genetic information to be copied.
RNA molecules have several roles, including carrying and interpreting genetic information during protein synthesis.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Mistake
Do not confuse nucleotide with nucleic acid.
- Mistake
A nucleotide is a building block; DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.
- Mistake
### Sticky Notes
- Mistake
NUCLEIC ACIDS
- Mistake
Built from:
- Mistake
NUCLEOTIDES
- Mistake
Each nucleotide:
- Mistake
Sugar
- Mistake
Phosphate
- Mistake
Base
- Mistake
DNA → stores information
- Mistake
RNA → helps use information
Revision Zone
60-Second Revision
Quick cues from this topic — use them for last-minute revision.
DNA and RNA are nucleic acids built from nucleotides and are central to genetic information.
Nucleic acids are large biological molecules built from nucleotide units. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, phosphate group and nitrogen-containing base. DNA stores genetic information in the order of its bases, while RNA helps cells use genetic information, especially during protein synthesis. DNA commonly uses A, T, G and C bases, while RNA uses U instead of T.
- Definition
- Nucleic acids are large biological molecules built from nucleotide units. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, phosphate group and nitrogen-containing base. DNA stores genetic information in the order of its bases, while RNA helps cells use genetic information, especially during protein synthesis. DNA commonly uses A, T, G and C bases, while RNA uses U instead of T.
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Practice
PQ
Q1. Define nucleic acid
PQ
Q2. Name two nucleic acids
PQ
Q3. Components of nucleotide?
PQ
Q4. What does DNA mainly do?
PQ
Q5. What does RNA mainly help with?
Exam Practice
EQ
Q1. Define nucleic acids
EQ
Q2. Describe nucleotide structure
EQ
Q3. Compare DNA and RNA
EQ
Q4. State DNA and RNA bases
EQ
Q5. Explain their importance in cells
School-standard facts for Matric and Intermediate. Original explanations — not copied from textbooks.