Sometimes these are also considered members of the immediate family, depending on an individual's specific relationship. In most societies, the family is the principal institution for the socialization of children.
Nucleic acids also typically contain phosphorous, and nitrogen plays an important structural role in nucleic acids and proteins. The proteins, being made up a diverse set of amino acids, have, in addition to carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, the elements sulfur and selenium. It is incredible the complex array of macromolecules that can be built starting with these simple elements. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are nucleic acids; alongside proteins, lipids and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), they are one of the four major types of macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life. Most DNA molecules consist of two biopolymer strands coiled around each other to form a double helix.