AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and proteins by which living things function. The well-known structure of the DNA double helix allows this information to be copied and passed on to the next generation.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term nucleic acid is the overall name for DNA and RNA, members of a family of biopolymers, and is synonymous with polynucleotide. Nucleic acids were named for their initial discovery within the nucleus, and for the presence of phosphate groups (related to phosphoric acid).

Detailed explanation-3: -Key Points. The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. Both DNA and RNA are made from nucleotides, each containing a five-carbon sugar backbone, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.

Detailed explanation-4: -While the nitrogenous bases adenine, guanine, and cytosine are identified in both DNA and RNA, thymine is found only in DNA, and uracil is found only in RNA [24]. The nucleic acids are large; for instance, the human 18 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has a molecular weight of 6.4 × 105 Da and contains 1868 nucleotides.

Detailed explanation-5: -As you already know, the letters in DNA stand for “Deoxyribonucleic Acid.” DNA is a polymer made up of monomers called nucleic acids, which are linked together in long chains. Each nucleic acid monomer is made up of a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group.