Final answer:
Nucleic acids in food are broken down into nucleotides by digestive enzymes, which are then further degraded into nitrogen bases, sugars, and phosphates for absorption and use in cellular processes such as replication and repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nucleic acids from our food, such as DNA and RNA, get broken down into their constituent nucleotides during digestion. This process involves pancreatic enzymes such as deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease, which break down DNA and RNA respectively. Once broken down into nucleotides, these are further degraded by nucleosidase and phosphatase enzymes into nitrogen bases, pentose sugars, and phosphates, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
These components are utilized by our cells for numerous functions, including the synthesis of new nucleic acids. In essence, our body recycles the components of nucleic acids to support various cellular processes, such as cell replication and repair.