DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid) are two types of nucleic acids, which are organic compounds that play crucial roles in the storage and expression of genetic information.
Nucleic acids are made up of long chains of nucleotides, each consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. DNA serves as the hereditary material in most organisms, carrying the instructions needed for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living things. RNA, on the other hand, is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins, acting as a messenger that carries instructions from DNA.
In summary, both DNA and RNA are fundamental nucleic acids that are essential for life, serving distinct but interconnected roles in genetics and cellular processes.