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Chapter 20: Problem 8

Contrast the terms nucleic acid, DNA and gene.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nucleic acids are large biomolecules essential for all life forms, composed of nucleotides. DNA, a type of nucleic acid, carries genetic information in a double-stranded, helix structure. A gene, on the other hand, is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that determines specific traits in an organism.

Step by step solution

01

Define Nucleic Acid

Nucleic acids are biopolymers, or large biomolecules, essential for all known forms of life. They are composed of nucleotides, which are made up of three components: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
02

Define DNA

DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is a type of nucleic acid and is the carrier of genetic information. It is a double-stranded molecule that takes the shape of a long twisted ladder or double helix. The 'rungs' are pairs of four types of molecules, called bases. DNA contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive, and reproduce.
03

Define Gene

A gene is a distinct sequence of nucleotides forming part of a chromosome, the order of which determines the order of monomers in a polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule which a cell may synthesize. Essentially, genes are a small section of DNA which controls a specific trait of an organism.

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