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NUCLEIC ACIDS

Nucleic acids are the main information-carrying molecules of the cell, and, by directing the
process of protein synthesis, they determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing.
It plays an essential role in the storage, transfer, and expression of genetic information.
Nucleic acid was discovered by a 24-year-old Swiss physician named Friedrich Miescher in
1868. He was puzzled that an unknown substance in white blood cells did not resemble
carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids. He was able to isolate the substance from the nucleus and
initially called it nuclein. He eventually was able to break down nuclein into protein and
nucleic acids. He found out that nucleic acids are comprised of elements carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, phosphorus and nitrogen.
The most common examples of nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA
(ribonucleic acid). DNA is a nucleic acid that carries the genetic code of organisms. It is
fondly termed as the blueprint of life. RNA, on another hand, ca rries the information from
the DNA to the cellular factories for the synthesis of proteins.

Nucleic acids are also known as

polynucleotides - that is, long chainlike
molecules composed of a series of nearly
identical building blocks called nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogen-
containing aromatic base attached to a pentose
(five-carbon) sugar, which is in turn attached
to a phosphate group. Each nucleic acid
contains four of five possible nitrogen-
containing bases: adenine (A), guanine (G),
cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U). A
and Gare categorized as purines, while C, T,
and U are collectively called pyrimidines.

Three parts of nucleotide:

1. Nitrogenous base
2. Five-carbon carbohydrate or sugar
3. Phosphate group
Monomer: nucleotide
Examples: DNA and RNA
Function: involves the genetic materials, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic
Acid (RNA).
MAIN FUNCTION OF NUCLEIC ACID
Nucleic acid carries the genetic material of a cell and provides instructions for the
functioning of the cell.

OTHER FUNCTION OF NUCLEIC ACID

Contain genetic information- They carry all the information needed for your cells to
function properly. This information includes things like what traits you inherit from your
parents, how your body grows, and even how your cells communicate with each other.
Direct growth and development -Nucleic acids guide the processes necessary for proper
growth, development, and functioning of living organisms, making sure they achieve the
right shapes and perform their biological functions effectively.

FOOD SOURCES OF NUCLEIC ACID

Meat

Fish

Seafood

Beans

Peas

Lentils

Mushrooms
IMPORTANCE OF NUCLEIC ACID TO THE BODY

Nucleic acids are super important for our bodies in many ways. They help make our immune
system stronger, which means we can fight off sickness better. They also help our digestion
work well, making it easier for our bodies to get the nutrients they need from food. Plus,
nucleic acids help muscles recover faster after exercise, reduce stress on our cells, and keep
our metabolism running smoothly, helping us stay healthy overall.

PREPARED BY:
KYLE JOSE CHARMEL BASANILLO
CARELLE SONAJO IAN LOUISE FERNANDEZ
MARIEL MACARAEG JHOSUA TAGANAS
LOVELYN PAULO

SUBMITTED TO: MRS. JONABELLE AGOO