What are nucleic acids composed of?

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of long chains of nucleotides. Each nucleotide serves as the basic building block of these macromolecules and consists of three components: a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar (ribose in the case of RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these nucleotides encodes genetic information, which is crucial for the functioning and reproduction of all living organisms.

The structure and function of nucleic acids are distinct and vital for processes such as protein synthesis and heredity. This is in contrast to proteins, which are made up of amino acids, carbohydrates that involve simple sugars, and nucleic acids, which focus on nucleotides. Understanding the composition of nucleic acids underlines their essential role in biology, including their influence on genetic traits and cellular functions.