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Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids

Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid biosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process that produces the purine and pyrimidine nucleotides essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This pathway maintains a balanced nucleotide pool, preventing imbalances that could jeopardize genetic integrity and cellular function. Given the crucial role of nucleotides, their synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular homeostasis.Purine BiosynthesisThe biosynthesis of purine nucleotides begins with ribose-5-phosphate, a...

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

No description available

Nucleic Acid Structure

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA...

Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides

Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and have instructions for its functioning. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and the organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria....

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma.

Y M Dennis Lo¹

¹Centre for Research into Circulating Fetal Nucleic Acids, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR. loym@cuhk.edu.hk

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

|October 8, 2008

Summary

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis using cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma shows promise for detecting chromosomal aneuploidies. Future methods will likely enable widespread clinical application for prenatal screening.

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Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

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Published on: June 24, 2020

Kinetic Screening of Nuclease Activity using Nucleic Acid Probes

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Published on: November 1, 2019

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Area of Science:

Genetics
Molecular Biology
Obstetrics

Background:

Cell-free fetal nucleic acids circulating in maternal plasma offer a noninvasive window into fetal genetics.
Detecting chromosomal aneuploidies prenatally is crucial for early intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and summarize current and emerging approaches for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies using fetal nucleic acids.
To highlight the potential of these methods for future clinical implementation.

Main Methods:

Enrichment of fetal DNA via size fractionation or formaldehyde treatment.
Targeting fetal-specific nucleic acid molecules, including epigenetic and mRNA markers.
Quantitative analysis using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for chromosome dosage.

Main Results:

Multiple strategies demonstrate the feasibility of detecting fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma.
Enrichment, fetal-specific targeting, and advanced dPCR show potential for aneuploidy detection.
These advancements pave the way for accurate noninvasive prenatal testing.

Conclusions:

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies via maternal plasma nucleic acids is rapidly advancing.
Continued development of these techniques will likely lead to their widespread clinical adoption in the near future.
Cell-free fetal nucleic acid analysis represents a significant breakthrough in prenatal diagnostics.