Nucleic Acids

Deep inside our cells lie long chains called nucleic acids. These chains are extremely important because they carry and transmit genetic information and participate in the production of proteins. (In a little bit, we will see how nucleic acids contribute to flavor.) At its core, a nucleic acid is a polymer of many single units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is attached to a sugar (with five carbon atoms, called a pentose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.