Ch 4: Nucleic Acids - DNA and RNA for the MCAT: Tutoring Solution
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Learning objectives:
- Learn about the chemical structure of nucleic acids and phosphodiester bonds.
- Find out why DNA strands must run in opposite directions.
- Review the double helix structure and the molecule of heredity.
- Differentiate between RNA and DNA.

1. DNA: Chemical Structure of Nucleic Acids & Phosphodiester Bonds
Nucleic acids are large biomolecules used to store, transfer and convey genetic information in cells. Explore the structure of nucleotides and what polynucleotide and phosphodiester bonds do.

2. DNA: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine & Complementary Base Pairing
The four nitrogenous bases found is DNA are adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. Discover the base pairs of these nitrogenous bases and why DNA strands are antiparallel.

3. DNA: Discovery, Facts, Structure & Function in Heredity
The discovery of DNA is the foundation of all research in molecular biology. Learn the facts about the discovery of DNA, its structure, and the function of DNA in heredity.

4. Differences Between RNA and DNA & Types of RNA (mRNA, tRNA & rRNA)
DNA and RNA, the nucleic acids essential in molecular biology, differ in their sugar components. Learn about the differences between DNA and RNA, which includes mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, and discover the differences in their structure and their functions.

5. Nucleic Acids: Function & Structure
Nucleic acids are consumed by humans every day in every meal. Understand the definition, function, and structure of nucleic acids. Examine the structure of DNA and RNA, the two types of nucleic acids.

6. Polynucleotide: Structure, Overview
Polynucleotides can be found both in nature and created in a lab. Understand the structure and definition of a polynucleotide, how nucleotides join together, and the types and functions of polynucleotides.
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