Final answer:
Nucleotides, consisting of phosphate groups, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogen-containing base, are the fundamental building blocks of nucleic acids, vital for genetic information storage and protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The building blocks of nucleic acids are nucleotides. Each nucleotide is composed of three components: one or more phosphate groups, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogen-containing base. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are crucial for storing genetic information and facilitating protein synthesis. Furthermore, ATP, which is a type of nucleotide, serves as the primary molecule for energy transfer within the body.