Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the key macromolecules of life. They are polymers made of smaller monomers called nucleotides, which undergo condensation reactionsThe two types of nucleic acids you'll learn about are deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and ribonucleic acid, or RNA. Both DNA and RNA are essential in cellular processes and development. All living things - both eukaryotic and prokaryotic    - contain nucleic acids, including animals, plants and bacteriaEven viruses, which are considered non-living entities, contain nucleic acids as you can see in the diagram below.

Get started

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free

Achieve better grades quicker with Premium

PREMIUM
Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen
Kostenlos testen

Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst

Review generated flashcards

Sign up for free
You have reached the daily AI limit

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

Contents
Contents

Jump to a key chapter

    Learn faster with the 0 flashcards about Nucleic Acids

    Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.

    Nucleic Acids
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nucleic Acids

    What are nucleic acids and their functions?

    Nucleic acids are macromolecules found in all living cells, like plants, and non-living entities, like viruses. DNA is the nucleic acid responsible for storing all the genetic information, while RNA facilitates the transfer of this genetic material to protein synthesis organelles.

    What are the types of nucleic acids?

    There are two types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA and ribonucleic acid, RNA. There are also different types of RNA: messenger, transport and ribosomal RNA.

    Do viruses have nucleic acids?

    Viruses contain nucleic acids, either DNA, RNA or even both. Even though viruses are not classified as 'living cells', they still require nucleic acids to store the code for their viral proteins.

    Are nucleic acids organic?

    Nucleic acids are organic molecules as they contain carbon, hydrogen and are found in living cells.

    Where do nucleic acids come from?

    Nucleic acids are composed of monomeric units called nucleotides. In animals, these nucleotides are primarily made in the liver or obtained from our diet. In other organisms like plants and bacteria, metabolic pathways use available nutrients to synthesize nucleotides.

    Save Article

    Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

    Sign up for free
    1
    About StudySmarter

    StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

    Learn more
    StudySmarter Editorial Team

    Team Biology Teachers

    • 3 minutes reading time
    • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
    Save Explanation Save Explanation

    Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

    Sign-up for free

    Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

    The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

    • Flashcards & Quizzes
    • AI Study Assistant
    • Study Planner
    • Mock-Exams
    • Smart Note-Taking
    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
    Sign up with Email