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Editorial
, Volume: 21( 1)Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Significance in Biological Systems
Ahmed Al-Zahiri* Department of Biotechnology, Gulf International University of Science, United Arab Emirates; Corresponding author: Ahmed Al-Zahiri,,Department of Biotechnology, Gulf International University of Science, United Arab Emirates; Email: a.alzahiri@biotechuniv.edu Received: December 04, 2025; Accepted: December 18, 2025; Published: December 27, 2025
Abstract
Nucleic acids are fundamental biomolecules that store, transmit, and regulate genetic information in all living organisms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) govern cellular structure, function, inheritance, and evolution through their roles in gene expression and protein synthesis. Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have expanded the understanding of nucleic acid structure, dynamics, and interactions, leading to transformative applications in medicine, diagnostics, and genetic engineering. This article provides an overview of nucleic acids, emphasizing their biological importance, molecular characteristics, and relevance in modern scientific research.
genetic engineering. This article provides an overview of nucleic acids, emphasizing their biological importance, molecular characteristics, and relevance in modern scientific research.
Keywords: Nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, Gene expression, Molecular biology
Introduction Nucleic acids are polymers composed of nucleotide subunits and represent the molecular basis of heredity and cellular regulation. DNA serves as the primary repository of genetic information, encoding instructions necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms. RNA, in its various forms, acts as an intermediary and regulator in the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins. The discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA and the subsequent elucidation of transcription and translation mechanisms established nucleic acids as central components of molecular biology.The structural properties of nucleic acids enable their functional versatility. DNA is typically organized as a stable double-stranded helix, allowing accurate replication and long-term storage of genetic information. RNA molecules are generally single-stranded and exhibit diverse secondary and tertiary structures that support a wide range of biological functions. Messenger RNA carries genetic codes to ribosomes, transfer RNA facilitates amino acid incorporation during protein synthesis, and ribosomal RNA forms the structural and catalytic core of ribosomes. In addition, regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs play critical roles in gene regulation and cellular homeostasis.Nucleic acids are also central to the regulation of cellular processes and responses to environmental signals. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and RNA-based regulation, influence gene expression without altering the underlying nucleotide sequence. These mechanisms ontribute to cellular differentiation, development, and adaptation. Furthermore, mutations and variations in nucleic acid sequences can lead to genetic diversity or disease, highlighting their importance in health and pathology.Technological advances have greatly expanded the study and application of nucleic acids. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and nucleic acid hybridization have revolutionized diagnostics, forensic science, and evolutionary biology. In biotechnology and medicine, nucleic acid–based therapies, including gene therapy and RNA vaccines, have emerged as powerful tools for disease prevention and treatment. Despite these advances, challenges related to delivery, stability, and ethical considerations continue to shape ongoing research in this field.
Citation: Ahmed Al-Zahiri. Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Significance in Biological Systems. Biotechnol Ind J 21(1):017. 1 © 2025 Trade Science Inc. www.tsijournals.com | December-2025
Conclusion Nucleic acids are indispensable to life, serving as the carriers and regulators of genetic information across all biological systems. Their unique structural and functional properties underpin essential processes such as inheritance, gene expression, and cellular regulation. Continued research into nucleic acids has driven major scientific and technological breakthroughs, with far-reaching implications for medicine, biotechnology, and understanding of life itself. As innovations continue to emerge, nucleic acids will remain at the forefront of biological research and biomedical advancement.
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