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CH 106 - Lesson 9
Nucleic Acids

Central to life as we know it are the chemicals we call nucleic acids, DNA and RNA.

In this lesson we will look at the link that exists between proteins and nucleic acids. We will first trace from proteins through RNA back to DNA to give you a sense of the role of nucleic acids in the synthesis of proteins. Then we will look at the structure of nucleic acids starting from the simple molecular components and building up through the nucleotides to the double helix of DNA. Then, with the structures of DNA and RNA in mind, we will again work through the processes by which nucleic acids direct the synthesis of proteins. We will also look at the process by which DNA is synthesized for new cells. Finally, we will look briefly at how DNA can be altered through mutations and genetic engineering.

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