Nucleic Acid
By: Jace Olsoa, Sachin Beldona
Monomer-Nucleotide
Polymer-Nucleic Acid
Example of Nucleic Acids
DNA- Deoxyribonucleic Acid
RNA- Ribonucleic Acid
Functional Groups
Phosphate
Functions of Nucleic Acids
DNA- Carries instructions for the survival of the organism (i.e. cell reproduction, interactions betweencells, etc.)
RNA- Carrier- Carries the instructions for what needs to be built
Structure and Function
The DNA is in a double-helix for a reason:
- Whenever a cell splits, the DNA splits in two, down the middle of the double-helix. Since A only pairs with T and C only pairs with G it is possible to rebuild DNA of off only half of the strand. This is why it is easy to replicate cells.
- Since the bases are hydrophobic and don't like water, the double helix is useful as it protects the bases on the inside from water damage.