Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe nucleic acids' structure and define the two types of nucleic acids
Explain DNA's structure and role
Explain RNA's structure and roles

A nice tutorial on DNA structure. The menu at the bottom allows you to view some different information.

The link will list a variety of topics about genetics. Click on topic 17 for a very good tutorial on the discovery of DNA. Click along the bottom margin for the different screens.

RNA is now considered to be the first molecule that could transmit information. This article looks at the scientists and experiments that developed this idea. Article includes animations, pictures, video, biographical information, and quiz questions that are accessed by clicking on buttons along the bottom of the page.

This video segment adapted from NOVA illustrates why carbon is at the center of life on Earth. It also asks whether carbon-based life might exist on other planets. [1:38]

This pathway provides an overview of biological macromolecules and their properties. The resources in this pathway can be used to introduce or review the structure and function of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway Biological Macromolecules from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.

A video discussing the molecular structure of DNA. Understand that DNA is made up of a phosphate, deoxyribose sugar, and one of the four nitrogen base. Video also explains how the nitrogen bases pair up to form the double helix structure. Also learn how DNA stores the genetic information for organisms. [13:01]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

Download and read Maurice Wilkins Nobel Lecture "The molecular configuration of nucleic acids." This lecture, originally given December 11, 1961, is available in pdf format.

Learn about the molecular structure of RNA. [11:30]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This pathway provides an introduction to nucleic acids and their role in providing heritable information in cells. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway DNA Structure and Function from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.

This lesson presents how the structure and function of nucleic acids pertain to living things. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Structure and Function of Macromolecules: Nucleic Acids."

This video explains how DNA works and what it does, relating it to an instruction manual for building an organism. [4:29] Followed by a short quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.

All cells, organs and tissues of a living organism are built of molecules. Some of them are small, made from only a few atoms. There is, however, a special class of molecules that make up and play critical roles in living cells. These molecules can consist of many thousands to millions of atoms. They are referred to as macromolecules (or large biomolecules).