Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, play a very important role in how genetic information is shared in our cells.

1. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):

   • DNA acts as the instruction manual for our genes.
   • Its structure looks like a twisted ladder, called a double helix, made up of smaller parts called nucleotides. These nucleotides are made of the letters A, T, C, and G.
   • The main job of DNA is to copy itself before a cell divides into two. This is called replication.

2. RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

   • RNA helps turn the genetic information into proteins, which do many tasks in our body.
   • There are different types of RNA: mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
   • The process of making proteins happens in two main steps:
     • First, during transcription, DNA is used to make mRNA.
     • Then, during translation, mRNA is used to create proteins.

These processes are really important because they help cells work properly and pass on traits from one generation to the next.