Nucleic Acids and Nucleic Acids and ATPATP

Nucleic AcidsNucleic Acids

Named because they were first found in the nucleus of cells

VERY VERY BIGContain C, H, O, N and P

NucleotidesNucleotides

The Building Block of Nucleic Acids

Nucleotides ContinuesNucleotides Continues

3 parts:– Phosphate Group– Nitrogenous Base– Sugar

Deoxyribose in DNA Ribose in RNA

Phosphate GroupPhosphate Group

PO4

Nitrogenous BaseNitrogenous Base

AdenineCytosineGuanineThymineUracil

GenesGenes

About 1000 rungs of DNA make a single gene

StructureStructure

DNA – double helix– Contains T and not U

RNA– Single Stranded– Contains U and not T– mRNA, tRNA and rRNA

ATPATP

Adenosine TriPhosphateTransfers energy from energy releasing

reactions to energy-requiring reactions that maintain cellular activities

StructureStructure

3 phosphate groups attached to an adenosine molecule

Energy Transferring ReactionEnergy Transferring Reaction

Via hydrolysis, the last phosphate group is removed and releases energy

Produces ADP – adenosine Diphosphate