nucleic acid, naturally occurring chemical compound that serves as the main information-carrying molecule of the cell and that directs the process of protein synthesis, thereby determining the inherited characteristics of every living thing. Nucleic acids are further defined by their ability to be broken down to yield phosphoric acid, sugars, and a mixture of organic bases (purines and ...

Nucleic acid - Metabolism, Structure, Function: Replication, repair, and recombination—the three main processes of DNA metabolism—are carried out by specialized machinery within the cell. DNA must be replicated accurately in order to ensure the integrity of the genetic code. Errors that creep in during replication or because of damage after replication must be repaired.

Jan 3, 2025 · chemical structure of DNA and RNA The nucleic acids of DNA and RNA are heterocycles. Purines, such as adenine and guanine, each possess both a five- and a six-membered ring, with each ring containing two nitrogen atoms.

Dec 21, 2024 · Metabolism - DNA Synthesis, Enzymes, Energy: The maintenance of genetic integrity demands not only that enzymes exist for the synthesis of DNA but that they function so as to ensure the replication of the genetic information (encoded in the DNA to be copied) with absolute fidelity. This implies that the assembly of new regions of a DNA molecule must occur …

Jan 14, 2025 · DNA, organic chemical of complex molecular structure found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It codes genetic information for the transmission of inherited traits. The structure of DNA was described in 1953, leading to further understanding of DNA replication and hereditary control of cellular activities.

Nucleic acid - Ribosomal RNA, rRNA, Translation: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules are the structural components of the ribosome. The rRNAs form extensive secondary structures and play an active role in recognizing conserved portions of mRNAs and tRNAs. They also assist with the catalysis of protein synthesis. In the prokaryote E. coli, there are anywhere from one to 15 …

3 days ago · Sulfa drug, any member of a group of synthetic antibiotics containing the sulfanilamide molecular structure. Sulfa drugs were the first chemical substances systematically used to treat and prevent bacterial infections in humans. …

Nucleic acid - RNA Metabolism: RNA provides the link between the genetic information encoded in DNA and the actual workings of the cell. Some RNA molecules such as the rRNAs and the snRNAs become part of complicated ribonucleoprotein structures with specialized roles in the cell. Others such as tRNAs play key roles in protein synthesis, while mRNAs direct the synthesis of …

methicillin, antibiotic formerly used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by organisms of the genus Staphylococcus.Methicillin is a semisynthetic derivative of penicillin.It was first produced in the late 1950s and was developed as a type of antibiotic called a penicillinase-resistant penicillin—it contained a modification to the original penicillin structure that made it ...

6 days ago · Antibiotic, chemical substance produced by a living organism, generally a microorganism, that is detrimental to other microorganisms. Antibiotics came into worldwide prominence with the introduction of penicillin in 1941. Since then they have revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.