DNA holds all hereditary information. It replicates before cell division to pass traits accurately. For instance, a child inherits eye color through DNA stored in the nucleus.

Synthetic nucleic acids like morpholinos or LNA probes detect gene mutations with high accuracy. For example, LNA probes are used to diagnose genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis.

Yes. Artificial nucleic acids can bind specifically to DNA or RNA strands. For instance, PNA can block faulty gene expression in genetic diseases because it forms stable duplexes.

DNA contains deoxyribose, lacking one oxygen atom compared to RNA’s ribose. This difference contributes to DNA’s greater chemical stability, ideal for long-term storage of genetic material.

DNA’s double-helix structure, hydrogen bonding, and absence of reactive hydroxyl groups make it chemically more stable than RNA. This is why DNA serves as the primary genetic material in most organisms.

Yes. Certain RNA molecules, called ribozymes, can catalyze reactions such as RNA splicing. For example, self-splicing introns and the peptidyl transferase activity in rRNA are enzymatic RNA functions.

No. Some viruses, like retroviruses (e.g., HIV), use RNA genomes. These viruses reverse-transcribe their RNA into DNA inside host cells using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

The two primary nucleic acids are DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid). DNA holds genetic instructions, while RNA helps translate those instructions into proteins. Both are vital for life.