Definitions [7]
Define the following term.
nucleoside
The unit formed by joining the anomeric carbon of the furanose (sugar) with a nitrogen of a base is called nucleoside.
Nucleic acids are large biological macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.
DNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid that stores and transmits hereditary information and can replicate itself.
RNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid that helps in protein synthesis and information transfer.
A nucleotide is the basic structural unit of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
A nucleoside consists of a nitrogenous base linked to a pentose sugar without a phosphate group.
A nitrogenous base is an organic molecule (purine or pyrimidine) that carries genetic information in nucleic acids.
Key Points
- Nucleic acids are biomolecules that carry genetic information in cells (DNA and RNA).
- On hydrolysis, they give three components: pentose sugar, phosphoric acid, and nitrogenous bases.
- DNA contains β-D-2-deoxyribose, while RNA contains β-D-ribose.
- Nitrogenous bases include: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine (in DNA), and Uracil (in RNA).
- DNA is a double-stranded helix with antiparallel strands and contains A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded, contains A, G, C, U, and helps in protein synthesis.
