Nucleic acids are large biomolecules that play essential roles in all cells and viruses. A major function of nucleic acids involves the storage and expression of genomic information. Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, encodes the information cells need to make proteins.

1. Introduction to
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are the fundamental molecules of
life. They contain the genetic instructions that guide the growth,
development, and functions of all living organisms. Understanding the
structure and roles of nucleic acids is crucial for advancements in fields
like genetics, biotechnology, and medicine.
Ca by Chiekay arcadio

2. Structure of DNA and RNA
DNA
DNA is a double-stranded
molecule composed of
nucleotides, with a
deoxyribose sugar, a
phosphate group, and
one of four nitrogenous
bases: adenine, thymine,
cytosine, and guanine.
RNA
RNA is a single-stranded
molecule with a ribose
sugar, a phosphate
group, and one of four
nitrogenous bases:
adenine, uracil, cytosine,
and guanine.
Structural Differences
The key difference is that
DNA contains thymine,
while RNA contains uracil.
Additionally, DNA is
double-stranded, while
RNA is single-stranded.

3. Nucleotide Composition
1 Nucleotides
Nucleic acids are composed of
monomeric units called nucleotides,
which consist of a sugar, a
phosphate group, and a nitrogenous
base.
2 Adenine (A)
One of the four nitrogenous bases
found in both DNA and RNA,
adenine is a purine base.
3 Guanine (G)
Another purine base, guanine, is
also present in both DNA and RNA.
4 Cytosine (C) and Thymine
(T)/Uracil (U)
Cytosine is a pyrimidine base found
in both DNA and RNA, while thymine
is specific to DNA and uracil is
specific to RNA.

4. DNA Replication
1 Unwinding
The DNA double helix unwinds, exposing the nitrogenous bases.
2 Base Pairing
Complementary base pairing occurs, with adenine binding to thymine and
guanine binding to cytosine.
3 Synthesis
New DNA strands are synthesized, using the original strands as templates.

5. Transcription and Translation
Transcription
DNA is transcribed into a single-stranded RNA molecule called mRNA.
Processing
The mRNA is processed and transported to the ribosome.
Translation
The mRNA is used as a template to synthesize a specific protein.

6. Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis
Genetic Code
The genetic code is a set of rules that
determines how the sequence of
nucleotides in DNA or RNA is translated
into the sequence of amino acids in a
protein.
Codons
Triplets of nucleotides, called codons,
correspond to specific amino acids,
which are the building blocks of
proteins.
Protein Synthesis
The process of translating the genetic
code into a functional protein involves
the coordinated efforts of various
cellular components, including
ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and
enzymes.
Regulation
The expression of genes and the
synthesis of proteins are tightly
regulated to ensure the proper function
and development of an organism.

7. Mutations and Genetic Disorders
Mutations
Changes in the
DNA sequence can
lead to alterations
in the genetic
code, resulting in
various types of
mutations.
Genetic
Disorders
Genetic disorders
are caused by
mutations in
genes, which can
lead to the
development of
various diseases
and medical
conditions.
Heredity
Genetic disorders
can be inherited
from parents or
arise from new
mutations in an
individual.
Diagnosis
Advanced genetic
testing and
diagnostic
techniques are
used to identify
and study genetic
mutations and
disorders.

8. Applications of Nucleic Acid
Technology
Genetic Engineering Modifying DNA sequences to create
desired traits or characteristics in
organisms.
Forensics Using DNA analysis to identify
individuals and solve crimes.
Diagnostics Detecting genetic mutations and
diseases through DNA and RNA testing.
Personalized Medicine Tailoring medical treatments based on
an individual's genetic profile.