13.4.1 Significance of Nucleic Acid

Nucleic acids and DNA in particular are key macromolecules for the continuity of life.

What DNA does:

• DNA possesses the hereditary information that transfers from parents to children.
• It provides instructions for how (and when) to make proteins needed to build and maintain functioning cells, tissues, and organisms.

What nucleic acids do:

- Nucleic acids carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and protein.

Key point: Nucleic acids are essential for the continuity of life. DNA carries hereditary information from parents to children and provides instructions for making proteins. RNA and proteins are made based on the genetic information carried by nucleic acids.

Summary Table

Intermediate Level

Nucleic acids:

• Long-chain organic molecules present in all living cells.
• Main information-carrying molecules of the cell.
• Determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing.
• Play an important role in the storage and transfer of genetic data from one generation to another.
• Contain all the information necessary for an organism to develop traits, carry out life functions, and reproduce.

Types:

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
• RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

Significance:

• DNA possesses the hereditary information that transfers from parents to children.
• DNA provides instructions for how (and when) to make proteins needed to build and maintain functioning cells, tissues, and organisms.
• Nucleic acids carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and protein.

Key point: Nucleic acids are essential for the continuity of life. DNA carries hereditary information from parents to children and provides instructions for making proteins. RNA and proteins are made based on the genetic information carried by nucleic acids.

Solved Example

Example: What is the Significance of Nucleic Acids?

Question: What is the significance of nucleic acids?

Solution:

Nucleic acids and DNA in particular are key macromolecules for the continuity of life. DNA possesses the hereditary information that transfers from parents to children, providing instructions for how (and when) to make proteins needed to build and maintain functioning cells, tissues, and organisms. Nucleic acids carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and protein.

Final Answer: Nucleic acids are essential for the continuity of life. They store and transfer genetic information, which is used to make RNA and proteins.

Important Points

• - Nucleic acids are long-chain organic molecules present in all living cells.
• - Nucleic acids are the main information-carrying molecules of the cell.
• - They determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing.
• - Nucleic acids play an important role in the storage and transfer of genetic data from one generation to another.
• - These are the molecules that contain all the information necessary for an organism to develop traits, carry out life functions, and reproduce.
• - Types of nucleic acids:
• 1. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
• 2. RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
• - Significance of nucleic acids:
• - Nucleic acids and DNA in particular are key macromolecules for the continuity of life.
• - DNA possesses the hereditary information that transfers from parents to children.
• - DNA provides instructions for how (and when) to make proteins needed to build and maintain functioning cells, tissues, and organisms.
• - Nucleic acids carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and protein.

Remember

• - Nucleic acids = long-chain organic molecules in all living cells.
• - Main information-carrying molecules of the cell.
• - Determine inherited characteristics.
• - Store and transfer genetic data.
• - Types: DNA and RNA.
• - DNA carries hereditary information from parents to children.
• - DNA provides instructions for making proteins.
• - RNA is made based on the genetic information carried by nucleic acids.
• - Essential for the continuity of life.

Common Mistakes

Quick Revision

Nucleic Acid:

Nucleic acids are long-chain organic molecules present in all living cells. Nucleic acids are the main information-carrying molecules of the cell. They determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing. Nucleic acids play an important role in the storage and transfer of genetic data from one generation to another. These are the molecules that contain all the information necessary for an organism to develop traits, carry out life functions, and reproduce.

Types of Nucleic Acids:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

13.4.1 Significance of Nucleic Acid:

Nucleic acids and DNA in particular, are key macromolecules for the continuity of life. DNA possesses the hereditary information that transfers from parents to children, providing instructions for how (and when) to make proteins needed to build and maintain functioning cells, tissues, and organisms. Nucleic acids carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and protein.

60-Second Revision

• Nucleic acids = long-chain organic molecules in all living cells.
• Main information-carrying molecules of the cell.
• Determine inherited characteristics.
• Store and transfer genetic data.
• Types: DNA and RNA.
• DNA carries hereditary information from parents to children.
• DNA provides instructions for making proteins.
• RNA is made based on the genetic information carried by nucleic acids.
• Essential for the continuity of life.
• DNA = Deoxyribonucleic acid.
• RNA = Ribonucleic acid.
• ⚠️ Warning: nucleic acids are the information-carrying molecules of the cell — they are not just structural molecules.