Nucleic acids are one of the four fundamental biological molecules. They are the molecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms. There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). They are linear, unbranched polymers made of repeating units called nucleotides.
Definition
Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids are linear, unbranched polymers of nucleotides. They are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
In simple words: Nucleic acids are large molecules that store and transmit genetic information.
Core Concept
Nucleic acids were first reported in 1869 by a Swiss physician when he isolated a new compound from the nuclei of pus cells (white blood cells).
This compound was neither a protein nor a lipid nor a carbohydrate; therefore, it was a novel type of biological molecule.
He named this molecule nuclein, because it was located in the nucleus.
The basic structure and chemical nature of nuclein was determined in 1920 and was renamed as nucleic acid because of its acidic nature.
Nucleic acids are of two types:
Both nucleic acids are linear, unbranched polymers.
The monomers of nucleic acids are called nucleotides.
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