What breaks down nucleic acids?

If you’ve ever tried to eat an entire chicken wing in one bite, then you know that it’s nearly impossible (unless you’re a snake). But if we could do it, think about what our bodies would have to go through to break down the various proteins and nucleic acids present in the wing.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what breaks down nucleic acids (they’re not just for science fiction movies anymore) and how the process works.

Nucleic Acids 101

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s quickly review what exactly nucleic acids are. Simply put, they are large biomolecules that contain genetic information. The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

DNA is generally found within a cell’s nucleus and stores instructions for making all of the proteins necessary for life. It also regulates when those proteins should be made by sending out specific signals at different times during development or disease progression.

RNA is slightly different from DNA because it carries messages around the body between cells. This allows it to help control gene expression as well as play important roles in regulation of cellular metabolism.

How Are Nucleotides Formed?

Nucleotides are the building blocks of both DNA and RNA molecules – these molecules join together with others more commonly known as base pairs (this isn’t referring to Beyblade battles)

Each nucleotide contains three parts:

1 – A sugar molecule
2 – A phosphate group
3 – One nitrogenous base

These combinations come together to create each unique pair/component . Thus forming diverse components which bind with complementary pairing .. now hold up don’t click off yet , I promise this gets interesting!

There can be four nitrogenous bases found depending on whether the nucleotide is in DNA or RNA:

  • adenine (A)
  • guanine (G)
  • cytosine (C)
  • thymine (T)

RNA uses uracil instead of thymine so the nitrogenous bases would then be: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Uracil

Nucleic Acid Breakdown

There are a few different ways that our bodies can break down nucleic acids:

Enzymes

Enzymes are the most common way that nucleic acids get broken down. These specialized proteins help carry out specific chemical reactions within our bodies. Our liver secretes an enzyme called DNase which breaks single stranded DNA material into small fragments.

Other DNAses have also been identified in numerous species such as Endonuclease G and some RNases! Yes ladies and gentlemen it’s not just about recycling those beer cans ..our body has certain mechanisms which aids these pathways

### Nitrogenous base Degradation by Nitrous Acid\
A third method to breakdown purines(A &G) and pyrimidines(T,C,U), they undergo oxidative deamination (try saying that 5 times fast) , It sounds like something villains do when giving angry speeches or during their evil master plan!

Other methods

Some other less common ways include radiation damage or other direct physical damage were both apart from nature, because let’s face it.. nature has enough on its plate without breaking down complicated molecules everyday.

Conclusion

Nucleotides/nucleic acids make up individual units for many key aspects regarding all living organisms. Each component works towards providing necessary information required to give life its uniqueness while also being subject to degradation mechanisms when no longer required \n but fear not everyone we’ve got enzymes at play too!

Understanding how they function along with what causes them decompose sheds insight on importance/complexities these components offer. Studies are being conducted everyday to understand new ways of harnessing these invaluable molecules, but one things for sure we’re just scratchin’ the surface .

With the understanding and continuous scientific breakthroughs that occur on this topic who knows what kind mind-blowing news were gonna hear next!

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