Nucleotides

Definition

Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nucleotides are composed of three parts: a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine in DNA; adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine in RNA), a five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA), and phosphate groups.
2. They play crucial roles in cellular energy transactions as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a nucleotide involved in energy transfer.
3. Nucleotides are joined together by covalent bonds between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide to form the backbone of DNA and RNA.
4. The sequence of nucleotides determines genetic information carried within an organism's genome.
5. Mutations in nucleotide sequences can lead to changes in protein function or regulation, impacting cellular processes and potentially causing diseases.

Review Questions

• What are the three primary components of a nucleotide?
• How do nucleotides contribute to the structure of DNA and RNA?
• Why are mutations in nucleotide sequences significant for cellular functions?

Related terms

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction.

RNA:

Ribonucleic acid, involved in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

ATP:

Adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that serves as an energy carrier within cells.