Nucleic Acid Metabolism Note Free Download For Pharmacy Students.
Nucleic acid metabolism is the process by which nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are
synthesized and degraded. Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. Nucleotide
synthesis is an anabolic mechanism generally involving the chemical reaction
of phosphate, pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base. Destruction of nucleic acid is
a catabolic reaction. Additionally, parts of the nucleotides or nucleobases can be
salvaged to recreate new nucleotides. Both synthesis and degradation reactions
require enzymes to facilitate the event. Defects or deficiencies in these enzymes can
lead to a variety of diseases.