Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Nucleic Acids

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Nucleic Acids

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the primary building block (monomer) of nucleic acids?

Amino acid

Fatty acid

Monosaccharide

Nucleotide

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of nucleic acids: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are macromolecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Their structure is composed of repeating units called monomers.

Identify the monomer of nucleic acids: The primary building block (monomer) of nucleic acids is the nucleotide. Nucleotides are composed of three components: a phosphate group, a pentose sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil).

Compare the given options: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, fatty acids are components of lipids, and monosaccharides are the monomers of carbohydrates. None of these are involved in the structure of nucleic acids.

Recognize the correct answer: Based on the structure and function of nucleic acids, the correct monomer is the nucleotide, as it is the fundamental unit that forms the backbone and base-pairing structure of DNA and RNA.

Conclude the reasoning: Nucleotides are the only option that matches the definition of a monomer for nucleic acids, making them the correct answer to the question.