WEST BENGAL UNIVERSITY OF ANIMAL AND FISHERY SCIENCES FACULTY OF FISHERY SCIENCES SEMINAR ON : NUCLEIC ACID – STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND TYPES SUBMITTED BY : SK MD ARIF & SURAJ JAMAN SIDDIK ROLL NO : F/2021/32 & F/2021/42 B.F.Sc 3 rd Y ear , 2 nd S emester COURSE TITLE : INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS SUBMITTED TO : PROF. T. K. GHOSH AQC -3212
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION STRUCTURE OF NUCLEIC ACIDS DNA STRUCTURE RNA STRUCTURE FUNCTION OF DNA FUNCTION OF RNA TYPES OF NUCLEIC ACIDS NUCLEIC ACIDS REPLICATION NUCLEIC ACIDS TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION IMPORTANCES OF NUCLEIC ACIDS CONCLUSION
Introduction : Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information in all living organisms. The two primary types are DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). They are composed of smaller units called nucleotides, which consist of three components: 1. A phosphate group 2. A pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA) 3. A nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA; uracil replaces thymine in RNA)
STRUCTURE OF NUCLEIC ACIDS Nucleic acids are polymers made up of nucleotide monomers. Each nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of nucleotides encodes genetic information.
DNA Structure : DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) typically exists as a double helix. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, and its bases include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases hold the two strands of DNA together.
RNA STRUCTURE : RNA (ribonucleic acid) usually exists as a single-stranded molecule. The sugar in RNA is ribose, and its bases include adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. RNA can fold into complex three-dimensional shapes due to base pairing and interactions.
Functions of DNA : DNA serves as the blueprint for all cellular processes in living organisms. It is responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information across generations. DNA replication ensures that genetic information is accurately passed on during cell division.
Functions of RNA : RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes. Different types of RNA, such as mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, perform specific functions in translation. RNA also has regulatory and catalytic roles within the cell, contributing to gene expression.
Types of Nucleic Acids : The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA, each serving distinct functions. DNA is primarily involved in long-term genetic storage, while RNA is more versatile and active in cellular processes. Other types of RNA include miRNA and siRNA, which are involved in gene regulation.
Nucleic Acid Replication : DNA replication is a semi-conservative process that produces two identical copies of DNA. Enzymes like DNA polymerase are essential for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand. Accurate replication is crucial for maintaining genetic fidelity during cell division.
Nucleic Acid Transcription and Translation : Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. During translation, ribosomes read the mRNA sequence to assemble amino acids into proteins. The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
Conclusion and Importance of Nucleic Acids : Nucleic acids are fundamental to life, encoding the instructions for all cellular functions. Understanding their structure and function is crucial for fields like genetics, biotechnology, and medicine. Advances in nucleic acid research continue to transform our understanding of biology and disease. .