Nucleic Acids
By: Maggie & Naureen
Monomer: Nucleotide
Polymer: Polynucleartide
Examples: DNA & RNA
Functional Groups
Hydroxyl (OH)
Amino (NH2)
Phosphate (PO4)
Common functions
They store and transmit genetic information and uses that information to direct the making of new protein through ribosomes.
Structure
Structure and function are directly linked. The structure forms an "anti-parallel" structure or a double helix that allows the cell to make two new, identical copies, by reading and copying each DNA strand separately. It is how the information is permanently retained. The hydrogen bond between the base of the nucleic acid allows it to hold the DNA strands together. In the nucleic acid there is five- carbon sugar which is attached to a phosphate group and the nitrogen base. The nucleotides are covalently bonded together in a chain through sugars and phosphates which creates the backbone of the nucleic acid.