Nucleic AcidsBiochemistry Unit

Nucleic Acids Nucleic acids direct the growth and development of every

living organism. Included in this group is DNA, RNA, and ATP. As well, the nucleotide coenzymes FAD, NAD, and NADP are also included in this group. (These molecules are an essential part of the process of cellular respiration and photosynthesis). Can also act as a messenger between hormone interactions (cAMP).

DNA and RNA are polymers that are made up of monomer units called nucleotides. They are the only molecules that can produce identical copies of themselves.

ATP and nucleotide coenzymes are monomers.

Nucleotide StructureA nucleotide is made up of three main components:

a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen containing base.

DNA:Deoxyribonucleic Acid DNA is the source of genetic

information for every living organism.

Directs all cellular activities and is able to replicate itself so that new cells and organisms can be created.

DNA is a polymer of many nucleotides.

ATP, NAD+, FAD, NADP+ are monomers.

DNA StructurePhosphate:

Deoxyribose sugar:

Nitrogenous base (one of four)…

DNA Structure: Nitrogenous Bases Divided into two groups based upon

the number of rings in the structure. Purines: two rings, adenine and

guanine.

Pyrimidines: one ring, thymine and cytosine.

DNA: linkagesPhosphodiester Bonds

DNA nucleotides are joined together at the phosphate group through phosphodiester bonds between carbon five (5') of one molecule to the hydroxyl group at carbon three (3') from another molecule.

Additional nucleotides are always added on to the 3' end of the previous nucleotide (5'→3').

DNA: linkagesHydrogen Bonds Hydrogen bonds unite

strands of DNA together. Adenine will always bind

to thymine by two hydrogen bonds.

Guanine and cytosine will always bind together by three hydrogen bonds.

A purine will only pair up with its complementary pyrimidine.

RNA:Ribonucleic Acid RNA is also a polymer made up of nucleotides.

Composed of a: Ribose sugar Phosphate group Four nitrogen containing bases (C G A and U) All of the bases are the same as those found in DNA

except Uracil replaces thymine in RNA.

RNA is single stranded and its function is to translate and transcribe the genetic information into proteins.

RNA: linkagesPhosphodiester Bonds RNA is also synthesized

in the 5'→3' direction in a condensation reaction.

A phosphodiester bond

forms between the phosphate group from one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group from the second nucleotide.

DNA vs. RNA Structure

ATP ATP is composed of a single nucleotide, a

monomer unit Composed of: nitrogen base called adenosine a ribose sugar three phosphate groups

ATP is the energy providing molecule of the cell. High energy bonds are formed between each phosphate group and the ribose sugar. When these bonds break, energy is released. ATP is one of the products of cellular respiration.