* Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. Nucleotides are composed of a nitrogenous base, a ribose or deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate group.

* There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of all living organisms. RNA (ribonucleic acid) is involved in protein synthesis and has other functions in the cell.

* Nucleic acids have a double-stranded structure. The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases.

* The sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule determines its genetic information.

* Nucleic acids can be replicated. Replication is the process by which a nucleic acid molecule is copied.

* Nucleic acids can be transcribed. Transcription is the process by which the information in a DNA molecule is used to create an RNA molecule.

* Nucleic acids can be translated. Translation is the process by which the information in an RNA molecule is used to create a protein.