Title: Week 7 - Unit 2_5 : Nucleic Acids
Course: Biochemistry

Introduction

Nucleic acids are the information storage devices of cells. They occur in two forms: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is found in the nucleus of eukaryotes and the cytoplasm or nucleoid of prokaryotes and functions as the molecule of heredity. RNA molecules are synthesized on DNA templates and participate in protein synthesis in the cytoplasm. Both DNA and RNA are linear, unbranched polymers of subunits termed nucleotides.

Expectation

This lesson provides an overview of the chemical nature of the nucleotides and nucleic acids found in most cells . In addition , it will provide to students with the understanding and appreciation of the main differences between DNA and RNA and how the differences influence their respective functions

Course outline

1. Nucleotides
2. DNA structure
3. RNA structure

Learning outcomes

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

- Define and describe nucleotides as building blocks of nucleic acids
- Identify key features that differentiate nucleic acids
- Identify and explain how nucleotides are linked together to form nucleic acids
- Recognize the difference between RNA and DNA and draw structures of a ribonucleotide and deoxyribonucleotide.