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Nucleic Acids

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Organic Intro

Macromolecules

Organic compounds

• Contain carbon• Were once part of a living thing

Atoms in these molecules are held together by covalent bonds

Four major types• Carbohydrates• Lipids• Proteins• Nucleic acids

Nucleic Acid

Nucleic Acids• Contain C, H, O, N, and P• Building blocks: nucleotides

SugarPhosphateNitrogen base

• 2 types: DNA & RNA

• Function: Nucleic Acids Contain our genetic information

Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic Acid

DNA‐Deoxyribonucleic AcidDouble helix in which 2 strands are wound around each other

Each strand is made up of a chain of nucleotides (5­carbon sugar [deoxyribose], phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base)

Stays in the nucleus

4 Kinds of Nitrogen Bases:AdenineGuanineCytosineThymine

Nucleic Acid

DNA‐Deoxyribonucleic AcidHydrogen bonds hold nitrogenous bases together in the center of the double helix: (base pairing)

Adenine binds with ThymineGuanine binds with Cytosine

Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic Acid

RNA4 Kinds of Nitrogen Bases:AdenineGuanineCytosineUracil