Nucleic Acid
Nucleic acids are large polymers of nucleotides that are found in the nucleus of cells. This
macromolecule was given the name nucleic acid because it was discovered in the cell nucleus
and had acid-like properties. It is a polymer composed of smaller subunits (nucleotides) that
are linked together.
Types of nucleic acids
There are mainly two types of nucleic acids found in the cell i.e., Deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA forms the genetic material of all living organisms,
except for some viruses which have RNA as their genetic material.
DNA
In cells, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the nucleic acid that functions as the original
blueprint for the synthesis of proteins. DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, phosphates and a
unique sequence of the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine
(T).
DNA types
A-DNA: It is a right-handed double helix similar to the B-DNA form, often appearing in
extreme conditions, protecting DNA in challenging environments.
B-DNA: This is the most common DNA conformation and is a right-handed helix, commonly
seen under normal conditions, involved in everyday cellular activities like replication and
transcription.
Z-DNA is like a left-handed spiral staircase with a zig-zag pattern. It's found in specific spots
before genes start, and scientists think it might be involved in controlling gene activity.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid which is directly involved in protein synthesis.
Ribonucleic acid is an important nucleotide with long chains of nucleic acid present in all living
cells. Its main role is to act as a messenger conveying instructions from DNA for controlling
protein synthesis.
RNA contains the sugar ribose, phosphates, and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine
(G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). DNA and RNA share the nitrogenous bases A, G, and C.
Thymine is usually only present in DNA and uracil is usually only present in RNA.
RNA-Types
mRNA
• mRNA helps to carry the genetic information of the chromosomal DNA from the
nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it acts as a template for synthesis of proteins. It is linear
in nature and has DNA sequence complementary to the template strand of the DNA
from which it is synthesised. mRNA forms arund 5% of the total RNA of the cell.
rRNA
• rRNA is a component of ribosomes, which are cellular structures responsible for protein
synthesis. rRNA is essential for the synthesis and translation of mRNA into proteins.
rRNA is highly coiled and folds into a 3D structure.
tRNA
• tRNA forms 15% of the total RNA content of the cell. It is called an adapter molecule
as it acts as connecting link between amino acids and mRNA.
Difference between DNA and RNA
DNA-ROLE
Store genetic information: DNA is like a genetic library, storing crucial information that
determines an organism's traits and functions. This genetic code is passed from one generation
to the next during reproduction, ensuring the continuity of life and the transmission of inherited
traits.
Mutations: When errors occur during DNA replication or external factors like radiation or
chemicals affect the DNA, mutations can arise. Mutations cause genetic diversity by
introducing changes to the DNA sequence.
Transcription: DNA is transcribed into RNA, a crucial step in protein synthesis and gene
expression.
DNA Fingerprinting: DNA fingerprinting, a powerful genetic tool, finds applications in crime
investigation by matching DNA at crime scenes to suspects, It also plays a crucial role in
paternity testing, forensic identification etc
Gene Therapy: In gene therapy, DNA is manipulated to treat or prevent genetic disorders by
introducing, removing, or modifying specific genes.
RNA-ROLE
• RNA serves as a messenger, carrying genetic information for protein synthesis.
• Ribosomal RNA is crucial for protein synthesis as part of ribosomes.
• Transfer RNA transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
• RNA plays a role in transcribing DNA into mRNA.
• Some viruses use RNA as their genetic material for protein production.
• mRNAs have become vital in the pharmaceutical industry, notably in synthesizing
potential vaccines and developing new categories of medicines.