What is the function of Nucleic acids?

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA, are the chemical basis of heredity.
DNA is organized into genes, which contain the complete blueprint for all cellular functions and characteristics of an organism.
DNA carries this genetic information and is responsible for passing it down to offspring, maintaining the identity of a species.
RNA is essential for transmitting the genetic code from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery, thus regulating protein synthesis.

Option A: This is the primary function of carbohydrates. The breakdown of glucose provides the main fuel (ATP) for cellular activities.
Option B: This describes the function of lipids (phospholipids, cholesterol) and proteins, which form the structural and functional components of the cell membrane.
Option D: Myosin is a protein. Proteins have diverse roles, including forming structural components (like muscle fibers), acting as enzymes, and transporting molecules.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Function of Nucleic Acids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of nucleic acids is fundamental to genetics and pathophysiology. Many diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease, are caused by mutations (errors) in the DNA sequence.
Viruses, including RNA viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), use their nucleic acids to hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate, causing disease.
What if? - If a person has a defect in a gene responsible for a specific enzyme, the corresponding protein (enzyme) may be non-functional or absent. This is the basis of many inherited metabolic disorders, like phenylketonuria (PKU), where the enzyme to break down phenylalanine is missing.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about the major classes of biological macromolecules.
First, identify the molecule in question: Nucleic acids.
Next, systematically review the options, recalling the primary function of each major biomolecule class:
Carbohydrates: Primary energy source.
Lipids: Energy storage, membrane structure.
Proteins: Structure, enzymes, transport, etc.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBv_NEtlZ7WjuqvIr0OBIk

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 59-61

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 34-36

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 332-334

Practise the full WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.