[Biology] Nucleic acids

DEFINITION

Nucleic acids are polymers resulting from the linkage of smaller units called nucleotides.

BACKGROUND:

Nucleic acids were first isolated in 1869, by Fredrich Miescher from the nuclei of pus cells.

NUCLEOTIDES:

Nucleotides are small molecules acting as monomers and join together into a chain forming nucleic acids. Nucleic acids are therefore also known as polynucleotides.

COMPONENTS OF NUCLEOTIDE:

A nucleotide is composed of three components namely

1. Nitrogen containing base
2. Pentose sugar (5 carbon monosaccharide)
3. Phosphate group

NITROGENOUS BASE:

• The nitrogenous bases found in nucleotides (and hence nucleic acids) are heterocyclic compounds.

This content is for members only!

Login JOIN NOW