Nucleic acids

• DNA structure related to its functions

  Sugar phosphate backbone = provide strength and stability

  Large molecule = Stores lots of genetic information

  Helix = compact

  Double stranded = can semi-conservatively replicate

  Weak hydrogen bonds = to easily separate strands for replication

  Base sequence = allows information to be stored // codes for amino acids
• DNA basic structure

  Polynucleotide

  Two stranded

  Long

  Deoxyribose pentose sugar

  Adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine (nitrogenous bases)
• Main function of DNA

  Stores genetic information
• Basic RNA structure

  Polynucleotide

  One strand

  Short

  Ribose pentose sugar

  Thymine is replaced by uracil
• Main function of RNA

  Transfers genetic information and forms ribosomes with proteins