Nucleic acid is found in all living organisms and some non-living organisms such as viruses. What is the main function of Nucleic acid? Provide an example of a nucleic acid.
The main function of nucleic acid is to store and transmit genetic information. It carries the instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all organisms. Nucleic acid consists of two types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
DNA is the hereditary material in living organisms and it is responsible for storing genetic information. It forms the basis of a variety of functions such as determining traits, passing genetic information from one generation to the next, and controlling the synthesis of proteins. For example, in humans, DNA carries the instructions needed for the production of specific proteins, influencing various characteristics like eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
RNA, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis where it acts as an intermediate molecule between DNA and protein. It helps in the transfer of genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. An example of RNA is messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.