Final answer:
Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. They encode instructions, make proteins, and pass genetic information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nucleic acids, essential biomolecules for storing and transmitting genetic information, are composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. There are two main types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Elements:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
General Forms:
DNA: Double-stranded helix
RNA: Single-stranded structure
Functions:
DNA: Stores genetic information, serves as a blueprint for protein synthesis.
RNA: Transfers genetic information from DNA to synthesize proteins.
Examples of Compounds:
DNA: Adenine-Thymine (A-T), Guanine-Cytosine (G-C)
RNA: Adenine-Uracil (A-U), Guanine-Cytosine (G-C)