A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in cells and some viruses,
consisting of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and
joined by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine.
EXPLANATION:
There are 2 types of nucleic acids: DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA(ribonucleic acid).
Living organisms have their genetic material in their DNA. Viruses use RNA as their genetic material but are usually called non-living things( because they can't reproduce without help from a host).
The function of nucleic acids has a progression from DNA to RNA to proteins. This is called the central dogma of molecular biology.
Nucleic acids are formed by a linkage of polynucleotide chains with phosphodiester bonds. These polynucleotide chains are formed from monomers called NUCLEOTIDES.
A nucleotide is made up of 3 parts:
i) a nitrogenous base
ii) a five-carbon sugar
iii) at least one phosphate group.
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I believe that what is meant with the phrase "older explanation" is none other that superstition. Therefore, I will give you one superstitious belief which is now explained by science.
In Southeast Asia, people used to believe that St. Elmo's fire appears in remote areas because a bloody battle occured in that place leaving disembodied souls of the dead wandering there in the night and even in sunshine!
For generations, many people believed that this is a fact and some even say that these apparitions are diabolical or demonic in nature. So often, caution is advised to people whenever a ball of fire appears out in the open.
However, recent breakthroughs in the 21st century helped scientists to explain this mysterious phenomena. They found out that St. Elmo's fire is actually plasma, nothing special. Now, plasma is considered one of the states of matter! But mind you, it still does not explain why St. Elmo's fire seems to have a mind of its own!
