A nucleic acid is formed by polymerization of nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) monomers, through a condensation reaction.   Because of the enzymes used to catalyze the polymerization reaction, a new NTPs are added to the 3' OH end of the growing polymer.

Polypeptides are formed by polymerization of amino acids, through a condensation reaction. 

Because of the enzyme used to catalyze the reaction, new amino acids are added to the COOH end of the growing polymer. 

Q1: How are the synthesis and folding of a nucleic acid different, and how is it the same, as the synthesis and folding of a polypeptide?

Q2: Why is the cis-orientiation of a peptide bond less favorable (most of the time), than the trans-orientation?  Under what conditions would they be similar?

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