Nucleic acid structure

What you will learn

• Describe nucleotide components, bonds, and nomenclature.
• Relate DNA sequence, complementarity, and conformations to its role as a genome.
• Compare cellular DNA contexts and the main RNA types.

Course outline

1. Landmarks for reading nucleic acids

   An introduction positions DNA and RNA, their units and locations, and the pathway from nucleotide to functional architecture.

   14 min

2. Nucleotide components

   Pentoses, phosphate, major bases, modified bases, and analogues are studied separately before their assembly into a nucleotide.

   32 min

3. Nucleotide bonds, nomenclature, and roles

   The bonds linking base, sugar, and phosphate explain nomenclature, chain orientation, and the energy or signalling functions of nucleotides.

   22 min

4. The primary structure of DNA

   The sequence and orientation of two complementary strands define DNA primary structure and the preservation of genetic information.

   22 min

5. The double helix and its conformations

   Complementary strands wind into a double helix; B, A, and Z conformations differ in geometry and context.

   22 min

6. DNA superstructures and cellular contexts

   DNA compaction and location differ between eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and mitochondria while retaining a common nucleotide organization.

   18 min

7. RNA architecture and families

   RNA is generally a single-stranded polymer that folds and specializes into several functional families.

   18 min

8. Messenger, ribosomal, and transfer RNA

   The three major RNA families have distinct proportions, structures, and roles in expression of genetic information.

   25 min

9. Small RNAs and DNA–RNA comparison

   Small RNAs add to RNA functional diversity; a structured comparison highlights fundamental differences between DNA and RNA.

   16 min