B.9AD: Biomolecules
Cell Structure and Function!
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Biomolecule Reference Sheet!
Biomolecule: Nucleic Acids
This biomolecule is composed of five basic elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen,
and phosphorus. Nucleic acids are polymers that are composed of monomers called
nucleotides. A nucleotide is a three part unit that consists of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate
group, and a nitrogenous base. There are two types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) and are named based on their sugar. DNA conatins the
sugar deoxyribose and is a double-stranded molecule that is shaped like a double helix, or
twisted ladder. There are four nitrogenous bases in DNA that pair up in the same way:
adenine–thymine, guanine–cytosine. RNA contains the sugar ribose and is a single-stranded
molecule and has four nitrogenous bases with uracil replacing thymine. Scientists have been
able to locate nucleic acids in every living organism and virus on this planet! After
extensive studies, scientists have found that the presence of nucleic acids work together to
make proteins. It is also clear that these nucleic acids are responsible for storing and
carrying out the genetic information necessary for cells to carry out their life processes.
nitrogenous base
phosphate group
5-carbon sugar
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Comparing Nucleic Acids: Create a Venn diagram in your Student Journal to compare and
contrast the two types of nucleic acids.