Nucleic Acids
storing genetic information and more
DNA and RNA are the cell’s way of storing and deploying genetic information. Structural biology is revealing that some nucleic acids also fold to form complex molecular machines. Guided by these structures, nanotech scientists are building new machines composed of nucleic acid.
Molecule of the Month Articles (27)
 | Acetylcholine Receptor The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction |
 | Acetylcholinesterase Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
 | Adenine Riboswitch in Action XFEL serial crystallography reveals what happens when adenine binds to a riboswitch |
 | Adrenergic Receptors Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
 | Calcium Pump Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
 | Designed DNA Crystal Small pieces of DNA have been engineered to form a nanoscale lattice |
 | DNA Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
 | Fluorescent RNA Aptamers RNA aptamers are being engineered to track molecules inside living cells |
 | G Proteins Trimeric G-proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
 | Glutamate-gated Chloride Receptors The antibiotic ivermectin attacks glutamate-gated chloride channels, paralyzing parasitic worms. |
 | Neurotransmitter Transporters Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission |
 | Opioid Receptors Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
 | Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch. |
 | Potassium Channels Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions |
 | Rhodopsin In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light |
 | Ribosomal Subunits Atomic structures of the ribosomal subunits reveal a central role for RNA in protein synthesis |
 | Ribosome Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
 | Riboswitches Special sequences of messenger RNA can bind to regulatory molecules and affect synthesis of proteins |
 | Self-splicing RNA Special sequences of RNA are able to splice themselves |
 | Serotonin Receptor Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
 | Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
 | SNARE Proteins SNARE proteins power the fusion of vesicles with membranes by forming a bundle of alpha helices |
 | Sodium-Potassium Pump Cells continually pump sodium ions out and potassium ions in, powered by ATP |
 | Telomerase Telomerase maintains the ends of our chromosomes. |
 | Thymine Dimers Ultraviolet light damages our DNA, but our cells have ways to correct the damage |
 | Transfer RNA Transfer RNA translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins |
 | Transfer-Messenger RNA tmRNA rescues ribosomes that are stalled by damaged messenger RNA |
Learning Resources (4)
 | DNA Paper Model Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
 | tRNA Paper Model Transfer RNA translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins |
 | The Ribosome Flyer This flyer commemorates the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome. |
 | Ribosomal Subunits GIF Atomic structures of the ribosomal subunits reveal a central role for RNA in protein synthesis. Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins. |
Geis Digital Archive (6)
 | Transfer Ribonucleic Acid (tRNA) Geis illustrates the structure of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA), the nucleic acid that translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins. |
 | Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Geis illustrates three possible forms of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). He highlights the differences between each structure by displaying them in a side-by-side manner. |
 | Z-DNA In this sketch, Geis illustrates the left handed Z-form of double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Z-DNA is indicated by the zig-zag like pattern of the two strands in relationship to each other. Geis shows a line of symmetry down the middle of the illustration highlighting the helix axis of the molecule. |
 | DNA Geis illustrates a double helix in his depiction of DNA. He portrays the helices with a soft ribbon structure. The white "box-like" structures represent a base pair in the DNA strand. |
 | A-DNA Geis uses a thin ball and stick representation of a section of A-DNA, the more compact conformation of DNA less often seen in biological systems. He draws it from a perspective looking down into the double helix, showing the increase in diameter of the middle of the helix from the B form DNA. |
 | B-DNA Geis illustrates B-DNA in blue looking from above, through the double helix. The two bases on top are highlighted in white to distinguish one individual section of the layered scene. |
Goodsell Molecular Landscapes (4)
 | Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses (2018) by David S. Goodsell |
 | Mycoplasma mycoides Mycoplasma mycoides (2011) by David S. Goodsell. |
 | Biosites: Nucleus Biosites: Nucleus (2005) by David S. Goodsell |
 | Escherichia coli Escherichia coli (1999) by David S. Goodsell |
