Principles of Biochemistry

2.1.3.4 Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are polymers composed of nucleotide monomers. The Nucleotides are made up of a five-carbon sugar, a heterocyclic nitrogenous base and phosphate group(s). They are joined to one another by covalent bonds between the phosphate of one and the sugar of another. These linkages are called phosphodiester linkages.

There are two types of nucleic acids found within cells: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid(RNA). Nearly all the DNA is found within the cell nucleus.  It is repository of hereditary character. RNA occurs in all parts of a cell. It is essentially required for protein biosynthesis.

Function

The primary function of DNA is the storage and transfer of genetic information. This information is used (indirectly) to control many functions of a living cell. In addition, DNA is passed from existing cells to new cells during cell division. RNA functions primarily in the synthesis of proteins, the molecules that carry out essential cellular functions.