Chapter 20: Problem 7

Contrast the terms nucleic acid, DNA and gene.

Short Answer

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Nucleic acids are biomolecules important for all life and include DNA and RNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a type of nucleic acid; it carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all organisms. A gene is a section of this DNA; it directs the making of a protein.

Step by step solution

Defining Nucleic Acid

Nucleic acids are a family of large, complex molecules that play critical roles in all living things. They are made up of a set of monomers called nucleotides. There are two types of nucleic acids namely DNA and RNA.

Defining DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is one type of nucleic acid. It is a double helix molecule that carries the genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. DNA molecules are made up of two strands, each composed of nucleotides, coiled around each other.

Defining Gene

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions to make molecules called proteins, which carry out various functions in the cell. In other words, genes are essentially pieces of DNA that determine particular traits or characteristics of an organism. Each gene has a specific location or address on a chromosome.

Comparing Nucleic Acid, DNA and Gene

In summary, while nucleic acid, DNA, and genes are all related, they are not the same thing. Nucleic acid is the over-arching term that includes both DNA and RNA. DNA is a type of nucleic acid that carries genetic information. A gene is a portion of this DNA molecule that contains the instructions for making a protein.

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Contrast the terms nucleic acid, DNA and gene.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining Nucleic Acid

Defining DNA

Defining Gene

Comparing Nucleic Acid, DNA and Gene

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