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This lesson covers the structure and function of DNA and RNA — the two types of nucleic acid — as required by the Edexcel A-Level Biology B specification (9BI0), Topic 1: Biological Molecules. You need to understand the structure of nucleotides, the formation of polynucleotides, the double helix structure of DNA, complementary base pairing, and the differences between DNA and RNA.
Nucleic acids are large biological molecules that store and transmit genetic information. They are polymers of nucleotides.
There are two types:
| Nucleic Acid | Full Name | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA | Deoxyribonucleic acid | Nucleus (and mitochondria/chloroplasts) | Stores the genetic code — the instructions for making proteins |
| RNA | Ribonucleic acid | Nucleus and cytoplasm | Involved in protein synthesis — mRNA, tRNA and rRNA |
A nucleotide is the monomer of nucleic acids. Each nucleotide consists of three components:
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