Question

Describe the structures of proteins and nucleic acids, and then explain the relationship between these two molecules within a cell.

Answer 1

Nucleic acids are substances like DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) that were initially found to exist in the nuclei of cells (hence the name). They are very long molecules made of a phosphate and sugar backbone that supports different bases that provide genetic instructions for organisms. They also have many other functions and locations that are constantly being discovered.

Proteins are also long molecules, but they are made up of amino acids (AAs) in a "string" held together by peptide bonds. Each AA has one part that is the same as all the others and one part that is unique. In humans, for example, there are about 20 AAs that are used in varying sequences to make different proteins, and the body creates variations on these 20 by modifying them in different ways. Proteins make up a very large percent of the structure of the human body and also exist as enzymes that perform all the myriad of bodily functions.

Answer 2

Nucleic acid RESIDUES are what make up DNA. DNA codes for RNA, RNA codes for protein. Protein (or some specific ones, at least), is then required to form new DNA.


DNA-->RNA-->Protein
^____________|

One large circular loop

Answer 3

Thank you! ^_^

Answer 4

ur welcome