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All living cells contain both DNA and RNA (except some cells such as mature red blood cells), while viruses contain either DNA or RNA, but usually not both. [15] The basic component of biological nucleic acids is the nucleotide , each of which contains a pentose sugar ( ribose or deoxyribose ), a phosphate group, and a nucleobase . [ 16 ]
The image above contains clickable links Interactive image of nucleic acid structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) using DNA helices and examples from the VS ribozyme and telomerase and nucleosome. Nucleic acid structure refers to the structure of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Chemically speaking, DNA and RNA are very similar.
Biomolecular structure is the intricate folded, three-dimensional shape that is formed by a molecule of protein, DNA, or RNA, and that is important to its function.The structure of these molecules may be considered at any of several length scales ranging from the level of individual atoms to the relationships among entire protein subunits.
It has become widely accepted in science [1] that early in the history of life on Earth, prior to the evolution of DNA and possibly of protein-based enzymes as well, an "RNA world" existed in which RNA served as both living organisms' storage method for genetic information—a role fulfilled today by DNA, except in the case of RNA viruses—and ...
One example of an RNA homodimer is the VS ribozyme from Neurospora, with its two active sites consisting of nucleotides from both monomers. [9] The best known example of RNA forming quaternary structures with proteins is the ribosome , which consists of multiple rRNAs , supported by rProteins .
For example, the RNA component of the human telomerase contains a pseudoknot that is critical for its activity. [7] The hepatitis delta virus ribozyme is a well known example of a catalytic RNA with a pseudoknot in its active site. [10] [11] Though DNA can also form pseudoknots, they are generally not present in standard physiological conditions.
For example, fruit flies share 61 percent of disease-causing genes with humans, which was important when NASA studied the bugs to learn more about what space travel might do to your genes.
DNA and RNA also contain other (non-primary) bases that have been modified after the nucleic acid chain has been formed. In DNA, the most common modified base is 5-methylcytosine (m 5 C). In RNA, there are many modified bases, including those contained in the nucleosides pseudouridine (Ψ), dihydrouridine (D), inosine (I), and 7-methylguanosine ...