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Nucleic Acids (DNA & RNA) Video Lecture | Science for ACT

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FAQs on Nucleic Acids (DNA & RNA) Video Lecture - Science for ACT

1. What are nucleic acids?
Ans. Nucleic acids are macromolecules that play a crucial role in the storage and transmission of genetic information in living organisms. They are composed of nucleotide building blocks and include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA carries the genetic instructions necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known organisms, while RNA is involved in various biological processes, including protein synthesis.
2. How are DNA and RNA different from each other?
Ans. DNA and RNA differ in terms of their structure and function. DNA is a double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic information in the form of a sequence of nucleotides. It has a deoxyribose sugar and the nitrogenous bases adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. RNA, on the other hand, is usually single-stranded and contains ribose sugar. It has adenine, uracil, guanine, and cytosine as its nitrogenous bases. RNA is involved in protein synthesis and various other cellular processes, while DNA primarily serves as a genetic blueprint.
3. How do nucleic acids replicate?
Ans. Nucleic acid replication occurs through a process called DNA replication. During replication, the two strands of DNA separate, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This process is semi-conservative, meaning that each newly formed DNA molecule consists of one original (parent) strand and one newly synthesized (daughter) strand. Enzymes called DNA polymerases catalyze the addition of nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, following the base pairing rules (A with T, G with C).
4. What is the function of nucleic acids in protein synthesis?
Ans. Nucleic acids play a crucial role in protein synthesis. DNA contains the genetic information that carries instructions for the synthesis of proteins. This information is transcribed into RNA molecules through a process called transcription. The RNA molecules then undergo translation, where they serve as templates for the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains, which eventually fold into functional proteins. Different types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), are involved in various steps of protein synthesis.
5. Can nucleic acids be used for genetic engineering?
Ans. Yes, nucleic acids, particularly DNA, are widely used in genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's DNA to introduce specific traits or produce desired proteins. Techniques such as recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning rely on the ability to manipulate and replicate DNA molecules. Scientists can cut, copy, and insert specific DNA sequences into other organisms or create recombinant DNA molecules to achieve desired genetic modifications. This has applications in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.
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