A nucleic acid is a macromolecule composed of chains of monomeric nucleotides, i.e., nucleotide sequences. In biochemistry these molecules carry genetic information or form structures within cells. The most common nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nucleic acids are universal in living things, as they are found in all cells and viruses.
The first nucleic acid, DNA, was first discovered by Friedrich Miescher, c 1871. see, VGP DNA History Outline
