Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, composed of long chains of smaller units called nucleotides. Nucleic acids are made up of purines and pyrimidines, which are carbon and nitrogen containing molecules derived from carbon dioxide and amino acids like glutamine. Because they are formed in the body, nucleic acids are not essential nutrients.
Nucleic acids code for protein synthesis and enzymatic action, as well as direct the expression of genetic information and communication among cells. They can be found in all plant and animal cells.
When nucleic acids are taken in through diet, they are catalysed, or broken down, to their component parts by various digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. This process makes their building blocks available for absorption and reuse by the body.
The majority of the digestion takes place in the small intestine, where pancreatic juices containing two key nucleases are secreted:
- Deoxyribonuclease (DNase), which digests DNA.
- Ribonuclease (RNase), which digests RNA.
These pancreatic enzymes break the nucleic acids down into smaller nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks for two important nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The other four bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine. Uracil pairs with adenine to form RNA along with the paired cytosine and guanine.
Further breakdown occurs at the intestinal brush border via enzymes such as nucleosidases and phosphatases. These brush border enzymes break the nucleotides down into their final, absorbable components: pentose sugars (ribose or deoxyribose), nitrogenous bases, and phosphate ions.
Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous bases that serve as the fundamental building blocks (monomers) of nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). Their specific pairing in nucleic acids is essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.
Purines
The purine bases are further catalysed by the kidneys and excreted as uric acid. Pyrimidines, however, are not broken down and excreted. They are incorporated into body cells. They are structural components of nucleotides, vitamins, pterins and folates, each fulfilling critical roles in the cells of the body.
Pyrimidines
Pyrimidine nucleotides act as signalling molecules (neurotransmitters/neuromodulators) in the nervous system and can modulate vascular smooth muscle tone.
The pyrimidines represent one of the most active classes of compounds possessing wide spectrum of biological activities like significant in vitro activity against unrelated DNA and RNA viruses including herpes, HIV and polio viruses.
They are also involved in cellular differentiation and can influence cell proliferation, which makes their metabolism a key target for anti-cancer and antiviral therapies. They are also involved in polysaccharide and phospholipid biosynthesis, detoxification processes, and in protein and lipid glycosylation.
Natural sources of nucleic acid in alphabetical order
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Chlorella
- Eggs
- Fish
- Legumes
- Mushrooms
- Organ meats
- Shellfish
- Spinach
- Wholegrains
- Yeast and fermented foods
NOTE: Fish, legumes, meat, mushrooms and shellfish are the richest sources of nucleic acid.
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