Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics

Nucleic Acids in Genetics and Molecular Biology

Abri Agata^* Department of Biomolecules, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
^*Correspondence: Abri Agata, Department of Biomolecules, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Email:

Received: 29-May-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-22354; Editor assigned: 01-Jun-2023, Pre QC No. BOM-23-22354(PQ); Reviewed: 15-Jun-2023, QC No. BOM-23-22354; Revised: 22-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-22354(R); Published: 30-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7956.23.12.305

Description

Nucleic acids are fundamental biomolecules that play a central role in storing, transmitting and expressing genetic information in all living organisms. They serve as the blueprint for the synthesis of proteins and are essential for the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. Nucleic acids are large complex molecules composed of nucleotide building blocks. DNA is found primarily in the cell nucleus and is responsible for storing genetic information while RNA functions in diverse cellular processes, including protein synthesis. The discovery of nucleic acids and their role in genetics revolutionized our understanding of inheritance and evolution. Nucleotides are the monomeric units that make up nucleic acids. Each nucleotide consists of three components includes a nitrogenous base, a fivecarbon sugar (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA) and a phosphate group. Nucleotides link together through phosphodiester bonds forming long chains known as polynucleotides. The sugar-phosphate backbone provides stability to the molecule, while the sequence of nitrogenous bases carries the genetic information.

DNA is a double-stranded helical molecule found in the cell nucleus of eukaryotes and the nucleoid region of prokaryotes. RNA is typically single-stranded and exists in various forms, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs tRNA assists in translating the mRNA sequence into specific amino acids during protein synthesis and rRNA forms the structural and catalytic core of the ribosomes. The primary functions of nucleic acids revolve around genetic information storage, transmission and expression. It carries the instructions for building and maintaining an organism including the sequences of amino acids required for protein synthesis.

During cell division, DNA is replicated and each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. The process of gene expression involves the transcription of DNA into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins. This process allows cells to produce the specific proteins required for various cellular functions and mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where tRNA interprets the code and assembles the corresponding amino acids to form a polypeptide chain, ultimately leading to protein synthesis. Nucleic acids are the molecular basis of genetics and inheritance. The discovery of the structure of DNA and the understanding of its role in transmitting genetic information led to groundbreaking discoveries in genetics and molecular biology. The principles of DNA replication, transcription and translation are fundamental to understanding how living organisms develop and function.

Techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and gene editing have revolutionized our ability to manipulate and understand genetic information leading to applications in fields ranging from medical diagnostics to agriculture. The study of nucleic acids relies on a variety of techniques that allow researchers to analyze their structure, function and interactions. Some prominent research methods include DNA sequencing allows the determination of the precise order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule. This technique has been instrumental in deciphering the human genome and studying genetic variations associated with diseases. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is a method used to amplify specific regions of DNA making it possible to generate large quantities of DNA from a small initial sample. PCR is widely used in genetics, forensics and medical diagnostics. Gel electrophoresis separates DNA or RNA fragments based on their size and charge. This technique helps identify the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences and assesses their molecular weight. RNA Interference RNAi is a powerful tool to study gene function by inhibiting the expression of specific genes through the introduction of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target and degrade complementary mRNA sequences. From genetic engineering to personalized medicine, nucleic acids have been instrumental in advancing various scientific endeavors and improving human health.