FOR BPHARM 2ND SEM

1. Why are DNA and RNA called acids?
• DNA or RNA are called nucleic acids
because of the acidic nature of the
phosphate group attached to them.
• The phosphodiester bond can easily
lose the proton in the presence of
nucleophile group subsequently
masking the basic nature of
nitrogenous bases.

3. Functions of Nucleic acids
• Transmission of Hereditary Characters
• Store house of Genetic information and
control protein synthesis in cell.
• Direct synthesis of RNA
• Storage of chemical energy, eg: AMP, ADP,
ATP
• Form part of co-enzymes, eg: NAD+, NADP+,
FAD and Co-enzyme A.
• Act as secondary messengers in signal
transduction, eg: cAMP