Functions of Nucleotide
Nucleotides perform various function which are as follows:
- Building blocks: Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
- Genetic structure: They are main constituents of RNA and DNA structure.
- Chemical links: Nucleotides are essential chemical links in the cell’s response to hormones and other extracellular stimuli.
- Coenzymes: NAD and FAD made up of nucleotides which act as a Coenzymes in different enzymatic processes.
- Cell signalling: In signal transduction, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) functions as a secondary messenger.
- Transfer of energy: ATP, ADP are the nucleotide carrying energy molecules which aid in performances of various biological processes.
- Storage of genetic information: Nucleotides are present in DNA and RNA which carries the genetic information like protein synthesis, cellular formation and characteristics features of parents that they pass on to the offspring.
- Enzymatic cofactors: Nucleotides often act as enzymatic cofactors.
What are the Three Main Parts of a Nucleotide?
The Three Main Parts of a Nucleotide are ribose sugar (a five-carbon sugar), a nitrogenous base that is adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine in DNA, and adenine, cytosine, guanine, uracil in RNA, and a phosphate group. A crucial component of base pairing selectivity in DNA and RNA is the nitrogenous base, which is joined to the ribose sugar.
The fundamental building units of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are these three elements together. DNA and RNA are responsible for passing genetic information from parents to offspring. In this article, we will learn about the Structure, Characteristics, and Functions of the Three Parts of Nucleotides.
Table of Content
- What are Nucleotides?
- Diagram of Three Main Parts of Nucleotide
- What Are the Three Main Parts of a Nucleotide?
- Structure of Nucleotides
- Functions of Nucleotide