Nucleic

Acids
Definition of terms
1. Polymers- a chemical compound that is made of small
molecules that are arranged in a simple repeating
structure to form a larger molecule.
2. Monomers- a chemical compound that can undergo
polymerization.
3. Amino acids- any of many acids that occour naturally
from living things that include some which protein.
What are nucleic acids?
 Nucleic acids are molecules that code
for hereditary traits by controlling the
production of protein.
 Long chain of polymers consisting of
simpler units or monomers.
What are the types of nucleic
acids?
1. DNA
- mainly found in in the cell nuclei contains
the genetic information that codes for the
sequences of amino acids in proteins.
2. RNA
- RNA is found in many places in the cell
and carries out the synthesis of proteins.
What are the monomers of
nucleic acid?
The monomers of nucleic acids are
nucleotides. They are made up of three parts:
1. a five carbon sugar (pentose),
2. a phosphate group,
3. and a ring-shaped base containing nitrogen.
 Model of a nucleotide
In this model, the sphere represents a phosphate group,
the pentagon represents a five–carbon sugar (pentose) and
the rectangle represents a nitrogen-containing base.
 Model of a double helix for DNA
The double-helix consists of two linear strands of
polymerized nucleotides that bound about each other. The
two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds that form
between pairs of nucleotides. Adenine (A) forms hydrogen
bonds with a thymine (T) of the other strand. Cytosine (C)
forms hydrogen bonds with a guanine (G) of the other strand.
Differences between the two
kinds of nucleic acids
 DNA RNA
Deoxyribonucleic Ribonucleic
Acid Acid

Description Contains the genetic instruction
used in the development and
functioning of all living
organisms.
Function Long-term storage and
transmission of genetic
information.
Sugar and Deoxyribose sugar
Bases Phosphate backbone;
Four Bases: adenine, guanine,
cytosine, and thymine
Pairing of A-T (Adenine-Thymine)
Bases G-C (Guanine-Cytosine
It is responsible for the template in the
synthesis of proteins which in turn
control the operation & function of the
cell.
Transfer the genetic information for
the creation of proteins from the
nucleus to the ribosomes
Ribose sugar
Phosphate backbone;
Four Bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine,
and uracil
A-U (Adenine-Uracil)
G-C (Guanine-Cytosine
Questions…
1. Are molecules that code for hereditary traits by
controlling the production of protein?
A. Nucleic acid B. Polymers C. Carbohydrates D.
Lipids
For Items 2 and 3:
Write “Artem GWAPO” if the statement is true and
“Artem GWAPA” if false.
2. DNA contains the genetic instruction used in the
development and functioning of all living organisms.
3. Monomers of nucleic acid are made up DNA and RNA.

For items 4 and 5: Fill in the blanks

4. ___ is mainly found in in the cell nuclei contains the genetic
information that codes for the sequences of amino acids in
proteins.
5. ____ is responsible for the template in the synthesis of
proteins which in turn control the operation & function of the
cell.
Answers to the Questions

1. A
2. Artem GWAPO
3. Artem GWAPA
4. DNA
5. RNA