What characteristic distinguishes nucleic acids from proteins making them better candidates to have been the hereditary molecule in the first protocells? A single molecule contains the information needed to make a duplicate copy. They are complex enough to carry instructions to build a cell. They have catalytic activity. They can compartmentalize. Their monomers form abiotically.
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
What characteristic distinguishes
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A single molecule contains the information needed to make a duplicate copy. |
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They are complex enough to carry instructions to build a cell. |
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They have catalytic activity. |
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They can compartmentalize. |
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Their monomers form abiotically. |
The nucleic acids are four nitrogenous bases, sugars, and phosphate. The base sequence in the DNA constitutes the genetic information. The proteins are made up of polypeptides. Protein is a molecule made up of polypeptides. It is a class of biological molecules consisting of chains of amino acids called polypeptides. Nucleic acid is a class of macromolecules made up of a long chain of a polynucleotide that includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
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