Question

____ is an operational nucleic acid, whereas is ___ strictly an informational nucleic acid.

Short answer

RNA is operational, DNA is informational.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Operational Nucleic Acid Types

Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA. The operational nucleic acids are those that take active roles in the processes of cell function rather than just storing information. RNA can act operationally.

Identify Informational Nucleic Acid Types

Informational nucleic acids are the ones that primarily store information for the synthesis of proteins and other cellular functions. DNA is strictly an informational molecule that holds genetic information.

Key concepts

RNA Functionality

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a crucial molecule that performs a variety of roles within cells. Unlike DNA, which primarily serves as the genetic blueprint for an organism, RNA is much more active in cellular operations. The versatility of RNA stems from its ability to fold into complex three-dimensional shapes which allow it to perform diverse functions.

• Messenger RNA (mRNA): This type of RNA is critical in the process of protein synthesis. It carries the genetic information copied from DNA in the form of a series of codons, each of which specifies a particular amino acid.
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): As a fundamental component of ribosomes, rRNA ensures the proper alignment of mRNA and tRNAs during protein synthesis and catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA): tRNA is essential for translation, the process by which proteins are synthesized from mRNA templates. Each tRNA molecule carries an amino acid to the ribosome corresponding to a specific codon on the mRNA strand.

Beyond these primary roles, RNA molecules can also participate in gene regulation and act as enzymes or catalysts (ribozymes), showcasing their functional versatility inside the cell.

DNA Information Storage

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the fundamental storage vessel for genetic information in biological organisms. Its structure consists of two strands forming a double helix, with genetic information encoded within sequences of four nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

• Genetic Blueprint: The sequence of these nucleotides contains the instructions necessary for the development, survival, and reproduction of an organism, commonly referred to as the genetic code.
• Precision and Stability: DNA's stability and precision in replication make it an ideal molecule for long-term information storage, ensuring genetic information is preserved and transferred accurately across generations.
• Information Encoding: Genes within the DNA hold the code for synthesizing specific proteins that are essential for various cellular functions. During transcription, segments of DNA are copied into RNA molecules which then play direct roles in protein production.

Thus, DNA acts primarily as an informational repository, with its main function being the faithful transmission of genetic information.

Cellular Processes Involving Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids play substantial roles in various cellular processes, underpinning the function and control of cellular activities. Understanding these processes can clarify how genetic information is expressed and regulated.

• Transcription: This is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. Transcription is crucial for gene expression, allowing encoded instructions within DNA to result in the production of proteins through RNA intermediaries.
• Translation: This process involves synthesizing proteins based on the information provided by mRNA. During translation, ribosomes read mRNA sequences and construct corresponding amino acid chains to form proteins.
• DNA Replication: Before cell division, DNA replication occurs to ensure that each new cell receives an exact copy of the parental DNA. This process involves unwinding the double helix and synthesizing new complementary strands.
• Gene Regulation: Both DNA and RNA are involved in regulating genes to ensure that proteins are produced at the right times and in the right amounts. This involves complex interactions and feedback mechanisms within the cell.

Each of these processes highlights the intricate and essential roles that nucleic acids play in maintaining life and ensuring healthy cellular function.