Nucleic acids are small molecules found in all living things. They play an important role in the creation of all new life, including humans.
Nucleic acids constitute around 20% of a living thing’s DNA and are present in almost every cell in the body.
Because they are so prevalent in our bodies, we often don’t appreciate their importance. We merely think of nucleic acids as basic compounds that form part of larger molecules such as DNA and RNA.
However, being so widespread and fundamental to every aspect of life, nucleic acids have many uses outside the scientific community. They can be found in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, food ingredients, and medical treatments.
This article will focus on discussing some common uses for nucleic acids and how they can help improve your health.
Contents:
Oxygen
Without oxygen, all living things would die. Each organism needs oxygen to survive and thrive!
Our bodies use two kinds of oxygen: hemoglobin in red blood cells and the respiratory system in lungs and face.
Hemoglobin is a protein that acts like a giant molecule called an oxyhemoglobin (O+H+G). When it comes in contact with oxygen, it changes into something called a radical, which includes the rest of the protein. This process is called Red Blood Cell Oxygen Threshold (ORCT)ing or reaching foroxygenation levels (ATOL).
Many medical professionals recommend ORCTing during critical situations such as treating someone with a life-threatening condition or when travel is required.
Carbon
Carbon is a crucial element for life. Without it, cells would not function or communicate with each other. In fact, some cell constituents such as nucleotides require carbon for their functioning.
Carbon is found in many forms, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbohydrates (sugars), andentones (solids). Some of these forms include protein-based structures, ketones, carboxylic acids, and π-conjugated dithioe-carbonic acid (DTCA).
Although we do not currently have any life forms that require DTCA for survival, it remains an important building block because it plays a vital role in human health and disease. For example, DTCA is one of the components in ketone bodies and cancer cell metabolism.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a key building block of all nucleic acids. It is found in many different proteins, including enzymes and messenger molecules like neurotransmitters.
The term comes from the Greek word for water, hu-demas, which refers to its role in transmitting messages across the cell-wide membrane.
This atomic element, sometimes referred to as the first atom, serves as a basis for all other atoms in the universe. Because it exists in so few locations on our bodies, we rarely see it except when we are sick.
We can find it in our blood and body tissue in very small amounts. But even when we do find it insufficiently pronounced, its effects are important to maintain homeostasis (normal functioning) of our body.
Phosphorus
Phosphorous is one of the four main chemicals that makes up oxygen. The other three are Oxygen, Nucleic Acids, and Electric Charge.
Phosphorous is found in air, water, and even some foods such as potatoes which have it as a natural flavor. Most people do not know that we actually need phosphorus for good health because we cannot produce it on our own.
It is thought that around 1 gram of phosphorus is contained in the average human body. This body weight can range from zero to six grams depending on the person.
Most people who lack the required amount of phosphorus in their bodies have trouble with their bones and teeth and how often they develop weak spots. This can lead to accidents or surgery being needed to correct the problem.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a primary constituent of nearly every cell protein. Most cells require sulfur for growth and functioning, but it isn’t an essential nutrient for everyone.
Sulfur is found in many places, including the body. It can be made in the body by the liver, which manufactures some hormones and stores newly made hormones in tissue, like estrogen and Testosterone.
Some of these hormones are used widely, like Progesterone, which is found in all women except women with a condition called vanishing hair syndrome. Progesterone helps to regulate bone growth during puberty, so it is important to have enough of it to ensure healthy bone growth.
As an essential nutrient, you cannot make or store anything but sulfur! This makes it an important element to remember as we discuss where to obtain more of it.
Nitrate
As described in bullet point above, nucleic acids constitute the backbone of all life. However, this fact is not widely known.
Most people are familiar with nucleic acids as DNA and RNA Rather than just know that as an obvious fact, we have to learn about them. You must have studied them in high school or college biology.
However, despite their prominent role in all lifeforms, we don’t know much about nitric oxide Manufactured by our bodies as an essential nutrient.
Nitric oxide is a small molecule that plays a vital role in almost every part of your body. It can be found in places where it is necessary, such as your blood vessels and brain . It can also be found outside the body, such as on wounds and during healing.
Ammonium
Ammonium is one of the most common elements in the universe. It is found in space dust and in the Sun’s generation of energy.
Mostly found in outer space, ammonium is used on Earth as a fertilizer. It also can be used as an additive in foods and drinks, making it a popular ingredient.
It also has some uses on a smaller scale as an ingredient in beauty products and personal care products.
Some uses for ammonium include bone development, bone remodeling, and bone protection. As an element, it also aids mineral absorption which makes sense since it helps make food and water more competitive for use.
Base pairs
Nucleic acids are tiny molecules that form the backbone of all life. Nucleic acids comprise adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thiamine-pyrimidinol, also known as PNQ.
WNADs are critical to life as they code for important chemical sequences that determine your appearance, physical characteristics, and activities. WNADs are found in every cell in your body, except for one in your brain.
Without WNADs, cells cannot communicate with each other or the rest of the body. However, some people have a reduced number of WNADs or have them missing from their bodies. This can happen for any reason, including genetics.
This can cause problems like lack of coordination or weakness in certain areas and affects their overall health and performance.