Summary Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
The Cell Nucleus
- found in every living cell (not RBC’s)
- regulates the metabolism of the cell
- regulates the structure of the cell
- carries the hereditary characteristics


Nucleic Acids
1. Deoxyribonucleic acid
2. Ribonucleic acid
- The monomer of any nucleic acid is a nucleotide which consists
of a 5-carbon sugar molecule attached to a phosphate molecule
and a nitrogenous base. Nucleotides then link together to form
the nucleic acid.
Phosphate ion
Nitrogenous Base




5C/Pentose Sugar




Deoxyribonucleic Acid- DNA
- Found mainly in the nucleus and forms part of the
chromosomes forming part of the chromatin material
- Also found in Mitochondria and chloroplasts which can
therefore replicate themselves
- Controls the functions of the cells in which it is found because it
controls protein synthesis

Structure of DNA
-consists of nucleotides linked together
-Deoxyribose sugar molecule + phosphate Ion+ Nitrogenous Base
- 4 different Nitrogenous bases
1. Adenine
Adenine and Guanine both have double ring
2. Guanine structures and are called PURINES
3. Thymine
4. Cytosine Cytosine and Thymine both have single ring
structures and are called PYRIMIDINES