Ribonucleic Acid - RNA

Discovered by: Nucleic acids were discovered in 1868 by Friedrich Miescher, who called the material 'nuclein' since it was found in the nucleus.

What is it? A polymeric molecule that is essential for most biological functions, either by performing the function itself or by forming a template for the production of proteins. RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are nucleic acids.

Why is it important? The nucleic acids constitute one of the four major macromolecules essential for all known forms of life.