There are two main types of nucleic acids:
* Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): This is the genetic material found in all living organisms. It stores and transmits genetic information.
* Ribonucleic acid (RNA): This is involved in protein synthesis and other cellular processes. It carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are made.
Both DNA and RNA are composed of long chains of nucleotides linked together. Each nucleotide consists of three parts:
* A phosphate group: A negatively charged molecule containing phosphorus.
* A sugar molecule: Either deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA.
* A nitrogenous base: One of five different molecules (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil).
The sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule determines the genetic information it carries.
