Main Functions of Nucleic Acids in Biology
Function of Nucleic Acids is essential in chemistry and helps students understand how the instructions for life are coded and expressed inside every cell. This topic forms the backbone for understanding genetics, biomolecules, and modern biotechnology.
What is Function of Nucleic Acids in Chemistry?
A nucleic acid refers to a class of natural biomolecules (DNA and RNA) that store, transmit, and express genetic information. These molecules appear in chapters related to biomolecules, macromolecules, cell biology, and molecular genetics, making them a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
- The molecular formula of nucleic acids varies, as they are large polymers made up of repeating units called nucleotides.
- Each nucleotide contains three components: a nitrogenous base (purine or pyrimidine), a pentose sugar (ribose in RNA, deoxyribose in DNA), and a phosphate group.
- Nucleic acids fall under the class of biological macromolecules called polynucleotides.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Nature prepares nucleic acids inside living cells using complex biosynthetic pathways. DNA is synthesized by DNA polymerases during replication; RNA is made by RNA polymerases via transcription.
In labs, nucleic acids can be isolated from cells (using extraction kits or solvents) or synthesized chemically for research using sequential nucleotide addition (solid-phase synthesis).
Main Functions of Nucleic Acids
The function of nucleic acids is centered on storing, transmitting, and using genetic information. Their critical functions include:
- Storing hereditary information (DNA in chromosomes)
- Transmitting genetic data from one generation to the next during cell division
- Controlling and directing protein synthesis via the genetic code (DNA → RNA → Proteins)
- Regulating cellular processes and gene expression (with various types of RNA)
- Serving as catalytic molecules (ribozymes - RNA with enzyme activity)
Nucleotides: Building Blocks
| Component | Description | Role in Nucleic Acids |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogenous Base | Purines (A, G) and Pyrimidines (T/U, C) | Encodes genetic information and base-pair rules |
| Pentose Sugar | Deoxyribose (in DNA), Ribose (in RNA) | Differentiates DNA from RNA structure |
| Phosphate Group | PO₄³⁻ unit providing acidity | Links nucleotides, backbone of nucleic acid |
Nucleic Acids in Food and Diet
All natural foods—both plants and animals—contain nucleic acids because all living cells have DNA and RNA. When we eat these foods, our digestive system breaks down dietary nucleic acids into nucleotides and further into sugars, phosphates, and nitrogen bases, which are recycled for the body's own nucleic acid synthesis.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing DNA with RNA and mixing up their roles in protein synthesis.
- Believing only humans have nucleic acids—actually, all living things do.
- Thinking nucleic acids are only for "genetics"—their roles extend to metabolism and cell signaling too.
- Misidentifying the difference between nucleotides and nucleic acids.
Uses of Function of Nucleic Acids in Real Life
Knowledge about the function of nucleic acids is vital in biotechnology (DNA fingerprinting, GMOs, gene therapy), medicine (diagnostics, vaccines), pharmacology (mRNA vaccines, antisense drugs), and agriculture.
Even for CBSE board studies, understanding the basics helps in biology, genetics, biotechnology, and health science topics.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
The function of nucleic acids is closely related to topics like bioloecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), protein synthesis, and genetic code. It connects basic chemistry (elements, bonding) with biology (genes, traits) and emerging fields like molecular genetics.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
- DNA Replication in a Cell
1. The double helix unwinds.
2. Each strand acts as a template.
3. Free nucleotides base pair (A-T, G-C).
4. DNA polymerase enzyme links new strands.
5. Final Answer: Two identical DNA molecules are formed.
Lab or Experimental Tips
To remember the order of events—Replication → Transcription → Translation ("R-T-T")—Vedantu educators suggest thinking of "Read The Text" for DNA (read/replicate), RNA (transcribed), and Protein (translated). Charts and DNA models in class also help clarify.
Try This Yourself
- List three major differences between DNA and RNA.
- Name the three components of a nucleotide.
- Why is the double helix structure of DNA so stable?
- State two examples where RNA functions as genetic material.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored the function of nucleic acids—their structure, main types (DNA, RNA), roles in genetic storage, protein synthesis, and daily life importance. For exam tips, concept revision, and interactive quizzes, join the live classes or Chemistry notes offered by Vedantu.
FAQs on Function of Nucleic Acids: Definition, Types & Importance
1. What is the main function of nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids primarily store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.
Key points include:
• DNA stores hereditary instructions.
• RNA helps express these instructions by directing protein synthesis.
• Essential for cell division, growth, and inheritance.
2. What are nucleic acids? Give two examples.
Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules made of nucleotide chains.
Examples include:
• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
3. How do nucleic acids direct protein synthesis?
Nucleic acids control protein synthesis through these steps:
• DNA holds coding instructions (genes).
• Transcription: DNA information is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).
• Translation: mRNA guides assembly of proteins at ribosomes.
• Proteins determine cell structure and function.
4. What are the building blocks of nucleic acids?
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids.
Each nucleotide consists of:
• A nitrogenous base (A, T, G, C, or U)
• A pentose sugar (deoxyribose or ribose)
• A phosphate group
5. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA and RNA differ in several ways:
• DNA has deoxyribose sugar; RNA has ribose sugar.
• DNA contains thymine, while RNA contains uracil.
• DNA is usually double-stranded; RNA is single-stranded.
• DNA stores genetic information; RNA helps build proteins.
6. Are nucleic acids present in our food? Why are they important?
Yes, nucleic acids are present in all living cells, making them common in food.
Importance:
• Dietary nucleic acids support metabolism and cellular repair.
• Our digestive system breaks them down into nucleotides for reuse.
7. What elements are found in nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids contain the following elements:
• Carbon (C)
• Hydrogen (H)
• Oxygen (O)
• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorus (P)
8. List any three key functions of nucleic acids in cells.
Main functions of nucleic acids:
• Store genetic information (DNA)
• Transmit genetic material during cell division
• Control protein synthesis (RNA)
9. What is a nucleotide and what are its components?
A nucleotide is the basic unit of nucleic acids.
Each nucleotide contains:
• A nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine/uracil)
• A five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose)
• A phosphate group
10. How do mutations in nucleic acids affect living organisms?
Mutations are changes in DNA or RNA sequences.
Effects include:
• Altered protein structure or function
• Possible genetic disorders or traits
• Can be harmful, neutral, or sometimes beneficial
11. Why are nucleic acids called macromolecules?
Nucleic acids are called macromolecules because they are very large, made of many nucleotide units (polymers).
This size and complexity enable them to store vast amounts of genetic information.
12. What practical applications do nucleic acids have in biotechnology?
Nucleic acids are used widely in biotechnology:
• DNA fingerprinting in forensic science
• Gene therapy for treating diseases
• GMO crops and advances in agriculture
• Vaccine development and medical diagnostics
