nucleic acids Flashcards
1
Q
define nucleic acid
A
polymers formed from many nucleotides linked in a chain
2
Q
what is the role of nucleic acids
A
- stores and transports genetic information
- protein synthesis
3
Q
describe the properties of DNA
A
- contains genetic code
- found in nucleus
- double stranded (helix)
- antiparallel
- deoxyribose sugar
- strands held by hydrogen bonds
4
Q
describe the properties of RNA
A
- can go in and out of nucleus
- single stranded
- ribose sugar
- A binds with U instead of T
- transfers genetic information
- copies of DNA called mRNA leave nucleus
- degraded in cytoplasm after use
