Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids DNA and RNA. They consist of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar and phosphate groups. Nucleotides combine to form nucleic acids and act as carriers of genetic information and cellular energy. Some synthetic nucleotide analogs are used as chemotherapy drugs by incorporating into DNA and disrupting nucleic acid synthesis. Nucleic acids DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information through their linear polymers of nucleotides joined by phosphodiester bonds into strands with distinct primary, secondary and tertiary structures.