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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

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....

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Sequence-specific and Selective Recognition of Double-stranded RNAs over Single-stranded RNAs by Chemically Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids

Sequence-specific and Selective Recognition of Double-stranded RNAs over Single-stranded RNAs by Chemically Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids

Published on: September 21, 2017

Programming molecular topologies from single-stranded nucleic acids.

Xiaodong Qi^1,2, Fei Zhang^3,4, Zhaoming Su^5,6

¹School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.

Nature Communications

|November 4, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers created complex molecular knots using single DNA or RNA strands. These nucleic acid nanostructures can be replicated, offering a new platform for advanced molecular designs.

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Sequence-specific and Selective Recognition of Double-stranded RNAs over Single-stranded RNAs by Chemically Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Nanotechnology
Synthetic Biology

Background:

Molecular knots are complex topological structures found in biological polymers.
Designing and constructing highly knotted nanostructures with precise geometries is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a general strategy for designing and constructing highly knotted nucleic acid nanostructures.
To demonstrate the creation of DNA and RNA knots with complex topologies and high crossing numbers.

Main Methods:

Hierarchical folding of single-stranded DNA or RNA chains in a prescribed order.
Design and construction of 2D and 3D nucleic acid knots ranging from 1700 to 7500 nucleotides.
Characterization of topological features, including high crossing numbers (9-57).

Main Results:

Successful design and construction of numerous DNA and RNA knots with intricate topological features.
Demonstrated high crossing numbers, indicating significant knot complexity.
Confirmed the ability to replicate and amplify these nucleic acid knots enzymatically both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

Established a versatile platform for creating nucleic acid nanostructures with complex molecular topologies.
This method enables the fabrication of sophisticated, highly knotted DNA and RNA architectures.
The findings open avenues for novel applications in synthetic biology and nanotechnology.