DNA and RNA are examples of type/group of organic compound?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
DNA and RNA are examples of nucleic acids, which are a group/type of organic compounds.
Explanation:
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are fundamental biological molecules classified under the group of organic compounds called nucleic acids. Nucleic acids play a crucial role in the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information in all living organisms.
Structure and Composition:
Nucleic acids are polymers made up of smaller units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of three components:
- A nitrogenous base (which can be a purine—adenine [A] or guanine [G], or a pyrimidine—cytosine [C], thymine [T] in DNA, and uracil [U] replacing thymine in RNA)
- A five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA)
- A phosphate group
The sequence of these nucleotides encodes genetic information.
Differences between DNA and RNA:
- DNA is typically double-stranded and forms a double helix structure. It contains the sugar deoxyribose and the bases A, T, C, and G. DNA stores the hereditary blueprint for the organism.
- RNA is usually single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, and uses uracil instead of thymine. RNA functions in various roles such as carrying genetic messages (mRNA), forming ribosomes (rRNA), and helping in protein synthesis (tRNA).
Biological Importance:
Nucleic acids are essential because they carry the instructions needed for an organism’s development, functioning, and reproduction. DNA holds the genetic code, which is transcribed into RNA. RNA then helps translate that code into proteins, which perform most cellular functions.
Organic Compound Group:
As organic compounds, nucleic acids contain carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, giving them their chemical identity and complexity.
In summary, DNA and RNA belong to the nucleic acid group of organic compounds, which are vital molecules responsible for genetic information storage, transfer, and expression in all living cells.