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.
Why is mtDNA important?
Mitochondria also are known as a powerhouse because it helps to release energy from food. Mitochondria mostly found in eukaryotes. Mitochondria structure contains the outer mitochondrial membrane and inner membrane. There is also an intermembrane space present between the outer and inner membrane. The inner membrane folds inside and forms cristae. The fluid present inside the mitochondria known as the matrix.
The mitochondrial genomes vary in size from one organism to another. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in Plasmodium falciparum is 6kb in length. In Cucumis melo (musk melon) the mtDNA is 2400kb long. The higher plant contains large mtDNAs and more genes than the small mtDNA of other organisms. The baker's yeast (Saccharomyces) contains 75kb mtDNA and encodes only a few proteins than the 16.5kb mtDNA of humans. The larger size of mtDNA in yeast is attributed to the presence of introns and large spacers between the genes.
Step by step
Solved in 4 steps
