Science 10

Science – Grade 10
Quarter 4 – Module 9: CHEMICAL NATURE OF NUCLEIC ACID
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Michelle L. Bartolome
Editors: Jeric N. Estaco
Reviewers: Jeric N. Estaco/ Liza A. Alvarez
Illustrator: Edison P. Clet
Layout Artist: Jean Rean M. Laurente
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
Carolina T. Rivera, CESE
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Manuel A. Laguerta, Ed. D.
Chief - Curriculum Implementation Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larang)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of

Pasig City
 Science 10
Quarter 4
Self-Learning Module 9

Chemical Nature of
Nucleic Acid
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on Chemical Nature of Nucleic

Acid!
This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed, and
reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely:
Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

‘
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on Chemical Nature of

Nucleic Acid!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest – This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATION
Life varies on the genetic instructions. This hereditary material is passed on
from a cell to its daughter cells at division, and from one generation of an organism
to the next within the organism’s reproductive cells. Genes, the information-
containing elements that decide the characteristics of a species as a whole and of
the individuals within it.
In this self-learning module, you will be able to;
1. explain the chemical nature of nucleic acid;
2. compare and contrast DNA and RNA, and;
3. realize the importance of nucleic acid to human body.

PRE–TEST
Choose the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What do you call the sugar that serves as the backbone of DNA?
a. delta glucose
b. deoxyribose
c. fructose
d. ribose

2. What is the true structure of DNA?

a. a strand
b. a molecule
c. a double helix
d. a stranded molecule

3. Which of the following is the repeating units in both DNA and RNA?
a. amino acids
b. hydrogen bonds
c. nucleic acids
d. nucleotides

4. In addition to the standard organic elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,

nucleic acids also contain ______.
a. calcium
b. nitrogen
c. phosphorus
d. sulfur
5. Which of the following is NOT part of a nucleotide?
a. nitrogen base
b. oxygen base
c. phosphate group
d. monosaccharide sugar

RECAP
In our previous self-learning module we discussed, lipids. What would be the
effects if we did not have lipids in our bodies? Try to think of it!
Write the word/s to make the following statement complete.
1. P_______________ made up most of the cell membrane lipids.
2. Sex hormones, cholesterol, and vitamins are all examples of S_________.
3. Fats that have double bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid and
are liquid at room temperature are U_______________________.
4. This serve as long term energy storage T_______________________.
5. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was also known as bad C_____________.

LESSON

You have probably overheard about PCR tests, which are the most
used COVID-19 tests and a subgroup of molecular tests. But what, exactly, is a
PCR test? First, “PCR” stands for “polymerase chain reaction” which is a way of
amplifying the nucleic acids in your sample. According to the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration), the polymerase chain reaction converts any virus RNA in your
sample into DNA and “amplifies” it by making millions of copies of the DNA which
the molecular test can then detect. Because a PCR test can run multiple cycles of
this development, it’s capable of detecting the virus even if there’s a low level of the
viral RNA in your sample.
Let us take a deeper discussion on nucleic acid. What is Nucleic Acid? It is
the largest and the most complex. organic molecules. Friedrich Miescher
discovered nucleic acids in 1871. Nucleic Acid was first discovered in the nuclei of
cells. He called this substance ‘nuclein,” because it seemed to be specifically
associated with the nucleus. Mieschers’s nuclein was slightly acidic, it came to be
called nucleic acid. It is a macromolecule, found in all cells, which precipitate in
the storage, transmission, and translation of genetic information It is a polymer of
NUCLEOTIDE held by 3’ and 5’phosphate bridges. In the 1920s, the basic
structure of nucleic acid was determined by the biochemist P.A. Levene. He found
that DNA contains three main components: phosphate group, five-carbon sugar
and nitrogen-containing base called purine (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines
(thymine and cytosine; RNA contains uracil instead of thymine).
 Composition of Nucleic Acids:
Nucleic acids are substances with high molecular weight ranging from 1,286
ton 3,000,000. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and
phosphorus. Nitrogen is from 15 to 16% while phosphorus is from 9 to 10%. On
hydrolysis with either an enzyme or by heating with dilute acids or alkalis, nucleic
acids yield a group of compounds known as nucleotides.

These are the two types of nucleic acid:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-often compared to a set of blueprints, since it
contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells, such as
proteins and RNA molecules.
• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) RNA. It is responsible for converting genetic
information from genes into the amino acid sequences of proteins. The three
universal types of RNA include transfer RNA (tRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and
ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Messenger RNA acts to carry genetic sequence information
between DNA and ribosomes, directing protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA is a
major component of the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation.

Table 1: DNA vs. RNA – A Comparison Chart

Comparison DNA RNA

Full Name Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ribonucleic Acid

Function DNA replicates and stores genetic RNA converts the genetic
information. It is a blueprint for all information contained within
genetic information contained within DNA to a format used to build
an organism proteins, and then moves it to
ribosomal protein factories.

Structure DNA consists of two strands, RNA only has one strand, but
arranged in a double helix. These like DNA, is made up of
strands are made up of subunits nucleotides. RNA strands are
called nucleotides. Each nucleotide shorter than DNA strands. RNA
contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sometimes forms a secondary
sugar molecule and a nitrogenous double helix structure, but only
base. intermittently.
Length DNA is a much longer polymer than RNA molecules are variable in
RNA. A chromosome, for example, is length, but much shorter than
a single, long DNA molecule, which long DNA polymers. A large RNA
would be several centimeters in molecule might only be a few
length when unraveled. thousand base pairs long.

Sugar The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, RNA contains ribose sugar

which contains one less hydroxyl molecules, without the hydroxyl
group than RNA’s ribose. modifications of deoxyribose.

Bases The bases in DNA are Adenine (‘A’), RNA shares Adenine (‘A’),
Thymine (‘T’), Guanine (‘G’) and Guanine (‘G’) and Cytosine (‘C’)
Cytosine (‘C’). with DNA but contains Uracil
(‘U’) rather than Thymine.

Base Pairs Adenine and Thymine pair (A-T) Adenine and Uracil pair (A-U)

Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G) Cytosine and Guanine pair (C-G)

Location DNA is found in the nucleus, with a RNA forms in the nucleolus, and
small amount of DNA also present in then moves to specialized regions
mitochondria. of the cytoplasm depending on
the type of RNA formed.

Reactivity Due to its deoxyribose sugar, which RNA, containing a ribose sugar,
contains one less oxygen-containing is more reactive than DNA and is
hydroxyl group, DNA is a more stable not stable in alkaline conditions.
molecule than RNA, which is useful RNA’s larger helical grooves
for a molecule which has the task of mean it is more easily subject to
keeping genetic information safe. attack by enzymes.

Ultraviolet DNA is vulnerable to damage by RNA is more resistant to damage

(UV) ultraviolet light. from UV light than DNA.
Sensitivity
echnologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-differences-
between-dna-and-rna-296719
 Figure 1 : The Structure of Nucleic acid
https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-
differences-between-dna-and-rna-296719

Functions of Nucleic Acids:

Nucleic acids play an essential role in: Mitosis, Meiosis. These also provide
energy during the cellular respiration. Nucleic acids can be used to create energy in
the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate -C10H16N5O13P3). ATP is formed with the
nitrogenous bases adenosine and ribose.

A. Functions of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid):

DNA is a permanent storage place for genetic information. DNA controls the
synthesis of RNA (ribonucleic acid). The sequence of nitrogenous bases in DNA
determines the protein development in new cells. The function of the double helix
formation of DNA is to ensure that no disorders occur. This is because the second
identical strand of DNA that runs anti-parallel to the first is a backup in case of
lost or destroyed genetic information. Ex. Down’s Syndrome or Sickle Cell Anemia.
DNA is the chemical basis of heredity. Reserve bank of genetic information. It is
also responsible for maintaining the identity of different species of organisms over
millions of years. Cellular function is under the control of DNA and the basic
information pathway. DNA directs the synthesis of RNA, which in turn directs
protein synthesis. Nucleic acids (specifically DNA) carry out a vital role in the
human body.

B. Functions of RNA (ribonucleic acid):

RNA is synthesized by DNA for the transportation of genetic information to
the protein building apparatus in the cell. RNA also directs the synthesis of new
proteins using the genetic information it has transported. -mRNA (messenger
ribonucleic acid) is used to transfer genetic information through plasma
membranes
 ACTIVITIES

Let us check your understanding, by performing the three sets of activities.

Activity 1: Molecules and Cells

1. Two types of nucleic acid are ____________ and _______________.

2. The ladder-like structure of DNA is known as a ______________.
3. The sides of the DNA ladder are composed of ________________.
4. The rungs of the DNA ladder are made of ____________________.
5. The nucleic acids are polymers of _________________________.
6. The three components of a nucleotide are ________________,
_______________, and ______________________.
7. The sugar in DNA is ___________________________.
8. The four bases in DNA are _______, _____, _____, and _________.
9. In RNA thymine is replaced by ___________________.
10. What holds the two nucleotide strands together in DNA?
___________________

ACTIVITY 2: DNA vs. RNA

Write each description below under the correct column, DNA, RNA or both.
DNA Both RNA

-double stranded
-single stranded
-build by sugar, base, phosphate backbone
-contain thymine
-contain uracil
-adenine pairs with thymine
-adenine pairs with uracil
-contain deoxyribose
-contain sugar ribose
-deoxyribose nucleic acid
-ribonucleic acid
-too large to leave nucleus
-can leave the nucleus
-important for protein synthesis
 WRAP–UP

Fill in the graphic organizer. Choose your answers from the box below.

ACTIVITY 3: MOLECULES OF LIFE

nucleic acid deoxyribose

nucleotides guanine
phosphoric acid adenine
nucleosides cytosine
ribose thymine b
a
s
e
s

You may visit this site for live

worksheet experience. Have fun!
https://www.liveworksheets.com/3-et95844xf

VALUING

Nucleic acids are essential for cell functioning, and therefore for
life. Together the DNA and RNA, keep track of hereditary information in a cell
so that the cell can maintain itself, grow, create offspring, and perform any
specialized functions it is meant to do. Nucleic acid is a valuable class of
macromolecules discovered in all cells and viruses.

Nucleic acid development tests tell us if a patient is actively infected with

SARS-CoV-2. They detect the presence of characteristic sequences of SARS-CoV-2
genetic material (RNA) in respiratory samples of patients. If the viral RNA is
detected, it suggests that the virus might be present.

They are a large family of single-stranded RNA viruses (+ssRNA) that can be
isolated in different animal species. For reasons yet to be explained, these viruses
can cross species barriers and can cause, in humans, illness ranging from the
common cold to more severe diseases such as MERS and SARS.

Are you totally in favor for mass vaccination to fight against the COVID-19?
Why? Or Why not?
 POST TEST

Let us measures how much you have learned from this module. Write the letter of
the correct answer in your answer sheet.

1. What is the composition of nucleotide?

a) a sugar + a phosphate
b) a base + a sugar
c) a base + a phosphate
d) a base + a sugar + phosphate

2. What is the sugar molecule in a nucleotide?

a) Hexose
b) Pentose
c) Tetrose
d) Triose

3. Which of the following is the building blocks of nucleic acids?

a) Nucleotides
b) Nucleosides
c) Amino acids
d) Histones

4. Where can you detect the presence of characteristic sequences of SARS-CoV-2

genetic material?
a. DNA
b. RNA
c. nucleotide
d. sugar

5. Which of the following is an example of molecular diagnostic test for COVID-19?

a. PCR test
b. Antigen Test
c. Prescription Tests
d. Non-Prescription Tests
 KEY TO CORRECTION
Pretest Posttest Recap Activity 3

Activity 1 Wrap-up Activity 2

R E F E R E N CE S
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Publishing House, Inc.
Sta.Ana, Susan T., etal, (2016). Exploring the Realms of Science Chemistry. New
Enhanced Edition Based on K to 12.JO-ES Publishing House, Inc
Cebrian, Methusael.Chemistry.January.2003.BSE-Department of Education
Operation Handbook in Science. Bec Science, PSSLC Science.De.24, 2009

Health & Medicine 35,189,views Oct. 16,

2014,https://image.slidesharecdn.com/nucleicacidchemistry-
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Marco Cascella; Michael Rajnik; Arturo Cuomo; Scott C. Dulebohn; Raffaela Di
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types-of-covid-19-tests/
FDA US Food and Administration, Retrieved April 20,2021
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-
2019-testing-basics