Nucleic acid sequence

Nucleic acid sequence is a succession of letters that indicate the order of nucleotides forming alleles within a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecule. By convention, sequences are usually presented from the 5' end to the 3' end. For DNA, the letters A, C, G, and T each stand for a particular nucleotide – adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine respectively. For RNA, the letters A, C, G, and U each stand for adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil respectively.

Structure and Function

Nucleic acid sequences are vital in the storage and transmission of genetic information. They are composed of smaller units called nucleotides, which consist of a nucleobase, a five-carbon sugar, and at least one phosphate group. The sequence of these nucleotides determines the genetic information carried by the molecule.

Sequencing Techniques

There are several techniques used to determine the sequence of nucleic acids, including Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and pyrosequencing. These techniques have revolutionized the field of genomics and have been instrumental in the completion of the Human Genome Project.

Applications

Nucleic acid sequences have a wide range of applications in biological research, medicine, and biotechnology. They are used in genetic testing, forensic science, and in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

See Also

• Genome
• Genetic code
• Molecular biology
• Bioinformatics

References

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