12.1 Functions of Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA
Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell’s genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes, and in the chloroplasts and mitochondria, two membrane-bound organelles. In prokaryotes, the DNA is not enclosed in a membrane-bound organelle.
The other type of nucleic acid, RNA, has many roles in the cell. One type of RNA, called messenger RNA (mRNA) carries information from DNA to ribosomes. Other types of RNA—like ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) — are involved in protein synthesis and its regulation.
nucleic acid that stores genetic information in its sequence of nucleotides
a nucleic acid that is involved in gene expression and regulation
RNA that carries information from DNA to ribosomes to enable protein synthesis
