Structure
Made of C, H, O, N, P
What is the monomer for Nucleic Acids?
Nucleotides!
RNA – Single stranded
DNA – Double stranded (Double Helix)
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid
• Function: Codes for genetic
material/instructions
• Where it is made: DNA is copied in the
nucleus using DNA Replication
• DNA is stored as chromosomes and
CANNOT leave the nucleus
RNA – Ribonucleic Acid
There are 3 types of RNA: rRNA, tRNA, mRNA
• Function: Codes for proteins
• Where it is made: RNA is made in the
nucleus using Transcription
• RNA is able to leave the nucleus to reach
the ribosomes
Structure of Nucleotides
Nucleotides have 3 parts:
• A Nitrogenous Base (There are 5 types: A,T,U,C,G)
• A Phosphate Group
• A Pentose (5 Carbon) Sugar (There are 2 types:
Deoxyribose and Ribose)
Structure of DNA Nucleotides
DNA uses a
Phosphate
DNA uses a
Deoxyribose Sugar
(hence the name)
DNA uses 4 nitrogenous bases:
• Adenine
• Thymine
• Guanine
• Cytosine
Base Pairs:
Adenine pairs with Thymine
Guanine pairs with Cytosine
Structure of RNA Nucleotides
RNA uses a
Phosphate
RNA uses a
Ribose Sugar
(hence the name)
RNA uses 4 nitrogenous bases:
• Adenine
• Uracil
• Guanine
• Cytosine
Base Pairs:
Adenine pairs with Uracil
Guanine pairs with Cytosine
Structure of DNA:
spiral staircase, double The
helix
spiral
support for DNA
consists of a
Sugar and
Phosphate
Backbone
The two strands
are held
together by
Hydrogen Bonds
The bases always pair the same way to connect the strands:
A-T (Adenine and Thymine) and C-G (Cytosine and Guanine)
RNA
single strand, A U C G, ribose
vs DNA
double strand, A T C G, deoxyribose
ATP – Adenosine Triphosphate
• Function: Provides cellular energy
• Where it is produced: ATP is produced
in the mitochondria using cellular
respiration
Polymer:
Monomer:
Nucleic Acid Nucleotide
DNA
RNA
1. Phosphate
2. 5 Carbon Sugar – Deoxyribose
3. Nitrogenous Bases:
Adenine Thymine
Guanine Cytosine
Base-Pair Rules: A – T
G–C
Bases pair connect with hydrogen
bonds
1. Phosphate
2. 5 Carbon Sugar – Ribose
3. Nitrogenous Bases:
Adenine Uracil
Guanine Cytosine
Base Pair Rule: A – U
G–C
Bases pair connect with hydrogen
bonds
Picture
DNA
NAME
TYPE OF SUGAR
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ribonucleic Acid
Deoxyribose
DOUBLE OR SINGLE
Double
STRANDED
BASE PAIRS
CAN IT LEAVE THE
NUCLEUS
DOUBLE HELIX
FUNCTION
WHERE IS IT MADE
RNA
A –T
Ribose
Single
G - C A –U
NO
YES
YES
NO
Genetic Code for
characteristics
Nucleus
G-C
Codes for proteins
Nucleus