Nucleic acids: Definition, Structure, Types, DNA and RNA
Definition: The nitrogenous compounds which were first obtained from the pus of infected wound are known as nucleic acids.
Components
Nucleic acids are long chain molecules made up of nucleotide. Each nucleotide consists of three components.
I. Nitrogenous base
ii. A pentose sugar or five carbon sugar
iii. Phosphate group
Kinds of Nucleic Acids
There are two kinds of nucleic acids, Deoxyribosenucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Deoxyribose Nucleic acids (DNA)
DNA exists in the form of two strands.
These two strands are twisted around each other in spiral form also called double helix.
Each strand is made up of a deoxyribose sugar, phosphate uni and a nitrogen base.
These strands are held together by hydrogen bonds.
The order of base pairs in a strand forms a code that stores genetic information which is used to produce proteins.
The main function of DNA is to store the genetic information and to pass it on from one generation to another. This is due to double stranded structure of DNA.
Ribose Nucleic acids (RNA)
RNA exists in the form of single strand.
It is made up of a ribose sugar, phosphate unit and nitrogen base.
RNA is synthesed by DNA to transmit the genetic information.
RNA is responsible for synthesis of new proteins.
RNA receives, reads, decodes and use genetic information from DNA to synthesis a new protein.
Question: What is a DNA printing? Breifly describe its method.
Answer.
An individual has a unique DNA. This forms basis for identifying a person from sample of his/her sample from hair, skin cells or body fluid. As DNA sequences like finger print is unique for each individual, so this method is also known as DNA fingerprinting.
Method:
Only a tiny sample is required for DNA fingerprinting. The pattern of DNA of test sample is compared with the DNA of sample from known individual. If DNA fingerprints are identical, then sample of unknown individual can be identified.
Comments
Post a Comment