DNA is the primary genetic material that is the source of all genetic information in living organisms. These are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Which of these is a sugar group present in DNA?Īs we mentioned earlier, there are two major types of nucleic acids commonly found in living organisms. Through a combination of several processes that include protein synthesis using amino acids, the sequences of these nucleobases allow nucleic acids like DNA to store and encode the body's genetic information. Note that uracil is found only in RNA while, thymine is present only in DNA. Nucleobases are prominent of four types: adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil, and thymine. These further assemble into chains of base pairs of nucleobases. Typically, DNA consists of two such backbones while RNA consists of one. Furthermore, this encoded information is transmitted through the nucleic acid structure of DNA and RNA.Ī string of nucleotides is bonded together to form the helical backbones of these nucleic acids. Found abundantly in all living organisms, they help encode, create and transmit the codex of genetic information of every cell in every organism. These are the most vital of all biomolecules present in living organisms. Likewise, if the sugar is deoxyribose, it is called deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. In a nucleotide, if the sugar happens to be a ribose, then the polymer is called ribonucleic acid or RNA. Each nucleotide comprises a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a specific nitrogen base. They are long-chain polymers that consist of monomeric units called nucleotides.

These vital macromolecules are typically made of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, phosphorus, and most importantly, carbon. Let us find out more about nucleic acids and their structure and properties. Thus, nucleic acids are defined as large macromolecules that store, encode and transmit genetic data from one generation to another. The term “nucleic acid” is used to describe these large molecules in our cells that hold so much vital information about us, our lineage, and our genetic setup. These are made of polymers of repeating units, with acidic properties. Much like you would record your favorite songs on a tape in the 90s, so is our genetic information encoded in our cells, in the form of RNA and DNA.

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