1.6 DNA and RNA

• DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.
• RNA stands for ribonucleic acid.
• A nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
• In an RNA nucleotide, the pentose sugar is ribose sugar.
• In a DNA nucleotide, the pentose sugar is a deoxyribose sugar.
• ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate.
• ATP consists of Adenine, ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.
• DNA is a polymer of nucleotides that form the instructions for the synthesis of proteins found within organisms.
• RNA is a single-stranded polynucleotide molecule that exists in three forms (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA). Each form plays a part in the synthesis of proteins within cells.
• DNA and RNA are important information carrying molecules.
• In all living things, DNA holds genetic information to make proteins and RNA transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes - where proteins are made.
• Both DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.
• A nucleotide is the monomer of a nucleic acid.
• A nucleic acid is an example of a polynucleotide.
• DNA contains one of the four organic bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine.
• In DNA, Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine.
• RNA contains one of four organic bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, or uracil.
• In RNA, Guanine pairs with Cytosine, and Adenine pairs with Uracil.
• The bond formed between two nucleotides is a phosphodiester bond.