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Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?
- a)Insoluble in water
- b)Composed of amino acids
- c)Store and transmit genetic information
- d)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranes
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insolubl...
Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. They are composed of nucleotides and play a crucial role in protein synthesis and hereditary traits.
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Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insolubl...
Characteristic of Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules found in all living organisms. Their primary roles are crucial for the storage and transmission of genetic information.
Key Functions of Nucleic Acids:
- Genetic Information Storage:
Nucleic acids, particularly DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), store the genetic blueprint of an organism. The sequence of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) in DNA encodes the instructions needed for the development and functioning of living organisms.
- Transmission of Genetic Information:
During reproduction and cell division, nucleic acids ensure that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to the next generation. This is accomplished through processes like DNA replication and transcription.
- Role of RNA:
RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a vital role in expressing this genetic information. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. Other forms of RNA, such as tRNA and rRNA, are also crucial for protein synthesis and regulation.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Insoluble in Water:
Nucleic acids are generally soluble in water due to their polar backbone, which allows them to interact with the aqueous environment of cells.
- Composed of Amino Acids:
Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides, not amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
- Structural Components of Cell Membranes:
While nucleic acids are vital for genetic functions, they do not primarily serve as structural components of cell membranes. That role is fulfilled by lipids and proteins.
In summary, option 'C' accurately describes nucleic acids as key molecules that store and transmit genetic information, highlighting their fundamental role in biology.
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules found in all living organisms. Their primary roles are crucial for the storage and transmission of genetic information.
Key Functions of Nucleic Acids:
- Genetic Information Storage:
Nucleic acids, particularly DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), store the genetic blueprint of an organism. The sequence of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) in DNA encodes the instructions needed for the development and functioning of living organisms.
- Transmission of Genetic Information:
During reproduction and cell division, nucleic acids ensure that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to the next generation. This is accomplished through processes like DNA replication and transcription.
- Role of RNA:
RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a vital role in expressing this genetic information. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. Other forms of RNA, such as tRNA and rRNA, are also crucial for protein synthesis and regulation.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Insoluble in Water:
Nucleic acids are generally soluble in water due to their polar backbone, which allows them to interact with the aqueous environment of cells.
- Composed of Amino Acids:
Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides, not amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
- Structural Components of Cell Membranes:
While nucleic acids are vital for genetic functions, they do not primarily serve as structural components of cell membranes. That role is fulfilled by lipids and proteins.
In summary, option 'C' accurately describes nucleic acids as key molecules that store and transmit genetic information, highlighting their fundamental role in biology.
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Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?a)Insoluble in waterb)Composed of amino acidsc)Store and transmit genetic informationd)Primarily serve as structural components of cell membranesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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