The macromolecules which are formed by the polymerization of nucleotides (monomers) are called nucleic acid. They play a vital role as they store and transmit hereditary information. Nucleic acids consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes phosphorus.
Each nucleotide consist of:
There are two main types of nucleic acids:
DNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in most living organisms. It is composed of nucleotides containing a sugar molecule called deoxyribose, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine). The sequence of these bases forms the genetic code that determines the traits and characteristics of an organism.
RNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid that plays various roles in protein synthesis and gene expression. Like DNA, it is composed of nucleotides, but with a different sugar molecule called ribose. The four nitrogenous bases in RNA are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil (instead of thymine in DNA). RNA molecules are involved in processes such as transcription, translation, and regulation of gene expression.