NUCLEOTIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
A nucleotide is a fundamental building block of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, which are essential biomolecules involved in genetic information storage and transfer within living organisms. It is composed of three main components: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
The sugar molecule in a nucleotide is either a ribose sugar (in RNA) or a deoxyribose sugar (in DNA). The phosphate group is a negatively charged molecule that forms a chemical bond with the sugar molecule. These two components together create the backbone or the structural framework of the nucleic acid.
The nitrogenous base is the third component of a nucleotide and determines the specific information coded within the DNA or RNA molecule. There are four types of nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) in DNA, and adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) in RNA. The specific sequence of the nitrogenous bases forms the genetic code, which carries the instructions for the synthesis of proteins and other essential biological processes.
The combination of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base forms a single nucleotide. These nucleotides join together through chemical bonds to form a polynucleotide chain, which is the basis for the structure of DNA and RNA. Nucleotides play a significant role in the transmission and expression of genetic information in all living organisms.
-
A simple nucleic acid combined with one base only; mononucleotide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEOTIDE
Etymology of NUCLEOTIDE
The word "nucleotide" has its origin in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", which means "kernel" or "core". The Latin term "nucleus" itself was borrowed from the Greek word "nukleos", which refers to the same concept of a central core or kernel. The suffix "-ide" in "nucleotide" indicates that it is a chemical compound or a chemical derivative. Thus, "nucleotide" can be interpreted to mean a component or building block of the nucleus. The term was introduced in the field of biochemistry to describe the basic units that make up nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which are found in the cells' nuclei.
Similar spelling words for NUCLEOTIDE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
