What are the differences between amino acid and nucleic acid?

Basis of differentiation 

Amino acid

Nucleic acid

Definition 

Is the building block of proteins

Is the genetic material of living things

Chemical nature  

Is a simple organic molecule that contains both carboxyl and amino groups

Is a complex organic macromolecule such as DNA or RNA, made up of many nucleotides linked in a long chain

Atoms 

C, H, O, N, and S

C, H, O, N, and P

Functional groups

Contains carboxylic groups and amino groups

Contains pentose sugars, nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups

Polymer/Monomer

Is a monomer

Is a polymer

Type of bonds between monomers

Peptide bonds occur between amino acids

Phosphodiester bonds occur between nucleotides

Serves as a foundation for

Proteins 

Nucleotide

General structure

Contains a hydrogen atom, a side chain (R group), a carboxyl group and an amine group attached to a central carbon atom

Contains a large number of nucleotides bonded to each other via phosphodiester bonds

Types

Many types depending on the R group

2 major types - DNA and RNA

Synthesis

May be synthesized or obtained from the diet

Are synthesized inside the cell by DNA replication and transcription

Functions 

Is used in mRNA translation as building blocks of proteins

Stores genetic information of the cell and is involved in synthesis of functional proteins