Describe the role of nucleic acids in the cell. How do DNA and RNA differ in structure and function?

Nucleic acids are molecules that store and transmit hereditary information and energy in living things. They are believed to be the first biomolecules to support life as it is commonly defined. DNA stores information, and RNA transmits information. Thus, you can think of DNA as a computer hard disk or a collection of files, and RNA as a flash drive or disk. Many single-stranded RNA molecules form three-dimensional structures that include weak hydrogen bonds between nucleotides. As with proteins, the three-dimensional structure of the RNA molecule determines a unique function in cells, including the degradation of enzymes.