Editorial

, Volume: 16( 2)

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Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Central Role in Genetic Information

Nucleic acids—DNA and RNA—are essential biomolecules responsible for storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information in all living organisms. Their unique structures enable accurate replication, regulated gene expression, and precise control over protein synthesis. Advances in molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology have deepened scientific understanding of nucleic acid dynamics, interactions, and functions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical composition, structural organization, and biological importance of nucleic acids. It highlights their roles in heredity, cellular function, and modern applications such as sequencing technologies, genetic engineering, and molecular diagnostics. genetics; Genomics.. Keywords: Nucleic acids; DNA; RNA; Gene expression; Genetic information; Replication; Transcription; Translation; Molecular

Abstract

  

Nucleic acids are fundamental macromolecules that encode, store, and regulate genetic information essential for life. They exist in two primary forms: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), each playing distinct yet interconnected roles in cellular processes. DNA is composed of nucleotide units containing a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogenous bases—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. Its iconic double-helical structure enables complementary base pairing, which ensures accurate replication and stable information storage. RNA, on the other hand, contains ribose sugar and uses uracil in place of thymine, and exists in various structural forms that serve multiple functional roles.The central dogma of molecular biology outlines how nucleic acids control the flow of genetic information: DNA is replicated, transcribed into RNA, and translated into proteins. DNA replication is a tightly regulated process involving numerous enzymes such as helicases, polymerases, primases, and ligases, ensuring that genetic information is faithfully passed to daughter cells. During transcription, sections of DNA are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries coding information to ribosomes. Translation subsequently uses this mRNA template to synthesize proteins, with each amino acid added based on codon–anticodon interactions mediated by transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).Beyond their classical roles in encoding proteins, nucleic acids are increasingly recognized for their regulatory functions. Various RNA species, including microRNA (miRNA), small Citation: Keiko S. Tanaka. Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Central Role in Genetic Information. Biochem Ind J. 16(2):179. 1 © 2022 Trade Science Inc. www.tsijournals.com | December-2022 interfering RNA (siRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and ribozymes, play critical roles in controlling gene expression, guiding enzymatic reactions, and maintaining genomic stability. These molecules participate in processes such as RNA interference, epigenetic regulation, and chromatin remodeling, illustrating the complexity and versatility of nucleic acid function.Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have significantly expanded the study of nucleic acids. DNA sequencing technologies, from Sanger sequencing to next-generation sequencing (NGS), have facilitated whole genome analysis and transformed research in genetics, evolution, and medicine. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), recombinant DNA technology, and CRISPR-Cas genome editing rely on nucleic acid manipulation to diagnose diseases, develop gene therapies, and engineer organisms. Synthetic nucleic acids, including antisense oligonucleotides and mRNA vaccines, have become essential tools in modern therapeutics.Nucleic acids also play crucial roles in disease development and diagnostics. Mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and epigenetic alterations in DNA contribute to a wide range of genetic disorders and cancers. Molecular diagnostics leverage nucleic acid detection to identify pathogens, monitor treatment responses, and personalize medical care. Understanding nucleic acid structure and function is therefore central to both fundamental biological research and applied biomedical science. Conclusion Nucleic acids serve as the molecular foundation for genetic information, orchestrating replication, gene expression, and protein synthesis. Their diverse structures and functions enable precise control over cellular processes and contribute to organismal development, adaptation, and evolution. Advances in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and genetic engineering have further revealed the immense utility of nucleic acids in science and medicine. As research continues to expand, nucleic acids remain at the core of molecular biology, shaping innovations in biotechnology and therapeutic development.