# 33.2 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis - Syllabus 2016 - 2018
6.1 Structure and replication of DNA 6.2 Protein synthesis Nucleic acids have roles in the storage and retrieval of genetic information and in the use of this information to synthesise polypeptides. DNA is an extremely stable molecule that cells replicate with extreme accuracy. The genetic code is used by cells for assembling amino acids in correct sequences to make polypeptides. In eukaryotes this involves the processes of transcription in the nucleus to produce short-lived molecules of messenger RNA followed by translation in the cytoplasm. Learning Outcomes Candidates should be able to: 6.1 Structure and replication of DNA Understanding the structure of nucleic acids allows an understanding of their role in the storage of genetic information and how that information is used in the synthesis of proteins. a) describe the structure of nucleotides, including the phosphorylated nucleotide ATP (structural formula...