Which of the following is a nucleic acid?

Which of the following is a nucleic acid?

• A. DNA
• B. RNA
• C. Both DNA and RNA
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

Nucleic acids are the molecules that carry genetic information, built from nucleotides connected into long chains. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids because each is a polymer of nucleotides with a sugar-phosphate backbone and bases. DNA uses deoxyribose and thymine, usually forming a double helix to store genetic information. RNA uses ribose and uracil, and it functions mainly in translating that information into proteins and in various other roles in the cell. The important point is that both types fit the definition of nucleic acids, so both are correct. Choosing only one type would overlook the other, and saying neither type exists contradicts well-established biology.

Nucleic acids are the molecules that carry genetic information, built from nucleotides connected into long chains. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids because each is a polymer of nucleotides with a sugar-phosphate backbone and bases.

DNA uses deoxyribose and thymine, usually forming a double helix to store genetic information. RNA uses ribose and uracil, and it functions mainly in translating that information into proteins and in various other roles in the cell. The important point is that both types fit the definition of nucleic acids, so both are correct.

Choosing only one type would overlook the other, and saying neither type exists contradicts well-established biology.