biological functions of nucleic acids
Just as your computer can create entire virtual realities simply by reading strings of 1s and 0s, cells can create entire living organisms by reading strings of the four DNA base pairs. For a discussion of the genetic code, see heredity, and for a discussion of the role played by nucleic acids in protein synthesis, see metabolism. The hydrogen-bonded interstrand base pairs are shown alternatively in spacefill and sticks to illustrate how the bases stack on top of each other. Nucleic acids are found in every living thing plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, fungi that uses and converts energy. Answers: 1 Show answers Another question on Biology . Biomolecules Chart - Google Docs Because nucleic acids can be created with four bases, and because base pairing rules allow information to be copied by using one strand of nucleic acids as a template to create another, these molecules are able to both contain and copy information. These structures can occur in DNA (and also RNA) that contain homopurine and homopyrimidine sequences that have a mirror repeat symmetry. Also, AT/GC are found in DNA while RNA is made from AU/GC. Why do some nitrogenous bases have two fused carbon rings while other have one? Interestingly, the two strands of the DNA double helix lie in opposite directions or have a head to tail orientation. In this post, we will discuss the building blocks and the critical functions of these macromolecules: Carbohydrates (sugars), Proteins (amino acids), Nucleic Acids (nucleotides), and Lipids/Fats (lipoproteins). Both the A- and B-forms of the double helix are right-handed spirals, with the B-form being the predominant form found in vivo. Another major function of nucleic acids is protein synthesis, where RNA functions as an adapter molecule. Figure \(\PageIndex{16}\) shows interactive iCn3D models of A-DNA (top) , B-DNA (center) and Z-DNA (bottom). It plays a key factor in transferring genetic information from one generation to the next. The double stranded helix of DNA is not always stable. Two main functions of nucleic acids are: (i) DNA is responsible for the transmission of inherent characters from one generation to the next. Modulation of Figure \(\PageIndex{xx}\)Hoogsteen dynamics on DNA recognition. However, the A-form of the double helix can occur in vivo when RNA adopts a double stranded conformation, or when RNA-DNA complexes form. (1974) Nucl. Bases fit in the double helical model if pyrimidine on one strand is always paired with purine on the other. Lab. Nucleic acids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that serve as the primary information-carrying molecules in cells. Some of the red (oxygen) and blue (nitrogen) atoms in the major grove (and to a much less extent in the minor groove) are not involved in inter-strand G-C and A-T base pairing and so wouldbe available to hydrogen bond donors with specific binding proteins that would display complementary shape and hydrogen bonds acceptors and donors.
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