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Nucleic Acids

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

Nucleic acids are organic polymers that store and transfer genetic information. Nucleic acids are constructed from nucleotides.

 

There are two types of Nucleic Acids:

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

 

Is the structure for storing genetic information. 

Consists of strings of nucleotides made out of deoxyribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nitrogenous bases.

Found in the nucleus of the cell.

 

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

 

Is responsible for using genetic information to synthesize proteins. 

Consists of strings of nucleotides made out of ribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nitrogenous bases.

Found in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cell.

 

Image: A DNA strand.

Nucleic Acids