Nucleic Acids

The sugar determines if the nucleic acid is DNA or RNA. DNA carries genetic information and is structured in a double helix with base pairs between A and T and G and C. RNA has a variety of types and is single stranded. 

 

mRNA: messenger RNA transfers genetic information from DNA to a ribosome to produce proteins

tRNA: Transfers amino acids in the ribosome

miRNA: inhibit translation of proteins

 

Beyond genetics nucleic acids can make up energy transferring molecules as well as signaling molecules. 

 

In foods that contain dietary amino acids (meat, legumes, vegetables) they are digested into nucleotides and provide raw materials for synthesis of new DNA or RNA. 

 

Key roles in nucleic acids include: 

 

Replication: DNA copying itself for cells to divide

Transcription: Synthesis of mRNA from DNA

Translation: Protein synthesis from mRNA

Mutations: Damage through UV or chemicals in DNA can lead to mutations 

 

Point mutations: change in single nucleotide

• Silent mutation: base replaced with another but it does not change the amino acids created

• Missense: changes the amino acid (common cause to sickle cell anemia)

• Nonsense: creates a stop codon inhibiting translation at that point

 

Insertion/deletions can result in frameshift mutation which shifts the entire frame changing every amino acid. 

Causes in DNA mutations include: 

 

• Replication errors

• Radiation

• Oxidative damage

• Mutagens 

 

Our cells have several proofreading mechanisms as well as methods to remove damaged bases, however, when this does not work it can lead to cancer.