Nucleic Acids }

This is an introduction to nucleic acids, another macromolecule. You will learn more about nucleic acids when you get to the DNA and Genetics modules.

Watch the presentation below to learn more about nucleic acids.

Acid? That Doesn't Seem Healthy...

DNA and RNA are two examples of nucleic acids.

The purpose of DNA and RNA is to carry the genetic code for living organisms.
A nucleic acid is a polymer, composed of many monomers called nucleotides. A nucleotide is composed of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen base.

There are 4 possible nitrogen bases for DNA: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
There are 4 possible nitrogen bases for RNA: adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine.

Each nucleotide is held together by hydrogen bonds.

See the chart to the right:

Can We Eat That Sandwich Yet?
Let's put that sandwich aside for just a minute - we don't want to eat nucleic acids!

Watch the video below for a more in-depth look at what these macromolecules are.

Nucleic Acids Challenge and Before You Go

Practice Time! Use the knowledge you learned from the lesson to complete the practice activities below.

Before You Go You Need To Know

The following key points are from the explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

-Nucleotides (phosphate, sugar, and a nitrogen base)

What are two examples of nucleic acids?

-DNA and RNA

Why are nucleic acids important?

-Carry the genetic information for all living things

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