1.8 DNA & RNA

1.8 DNA & RNA

Function

• Both are types of nucleic acid in all living cells.
• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) - store of genetic information containing all information needed to develop a fertilised egg into an adult.
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) - Transfers genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes.
• Ribosomes read RNA to form proteins in a process called translation and are made from RNA and proteins.

Nucleotide Structure

• DNA & RNA = polymers of nucleotides.
• Nucleotide = Pentose sugar + Nitrogen containing organic base + phosphate group.

Polynucleotide Structure

• Nucleotides join to form polynucleotide strands.
• Join between phosphate of one nucleotide and …