Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids
The Structure of DNA and RNA
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information. They are
classified into two types: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid).




DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
● Four nitrogenous bases:
○ Adenine (A)
○ Thymine (T)
○ Guanine (G)
○ Cytosine (C)
● Contains sugar: Deoxyribose
● Structure: Double-stranded
● Base pairing rules:
○ Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)
○ Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C)
● Thymine (T) is present instead of Uracil (U).




RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
● Four nitrogenous bases:
○ Adenine (A)
○ Uracil (U)
○ Guanine (G)
○ Cytosine (C)
● Contains sugar: Ribose
● Structure: Single-stranded molecule
● Uracil (U) is present instead of Thymine (T).