nucleic acid /nu·cle·ic ac·id/ (noo-kle´ik) a high-molecular-weight nucleotide polymer. There are two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Nucleic acid
nucleic acid
nucleic acid,
nu·cle·ic acid (n -kl   k, -kl -)n. Any of a group of complex compounds found in all living cells and viruses, composed of purines, pyrimidines, carbohydrates, and phosphoric acid. Nucleic acids in the form of DNA and RNA control cellular function and heredity. |
Nucleic acid
The cellular molecules DNA and RNA that act as coded instructions for the production of proteins and are copied for transmission of inherited traits.
Mentioned in: Sickle Cell Disease
nucleic acid
[no̅o̅klē′ik]
Etymology: L, nucleus + acidus, sour
a high-molecular-weight polymeric compound composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a purine or pyrimidine base, a ribose or deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate group. Nucleic acids are involved in the determination and transmission of genetic characteristics. Kinds of nucleic acid are deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid. See also nucleotide.
nucleic acid,
n a family of macromolecules found in the chromosomes, nucleoli, mitochondria, and cytoplasm of all cells. In complexes with proteins, they are called
nucleoproteins.
nucleoproteins.
nucleic acid probes,
n nucleic acid that complements a specific RNA or DNA molecule or fragment; used for hybridization studies to identify microorganisms and for genetic studies.
Nucleopolyhedrovirus
n (nuclear polyhedrosis virus), a genus of the family
Baculoviridae, characterized by the formation of crystalline, polyhedral occlusion bodies in the host cell nucleus.
Baculoviridae, characterized by the formation of crystalline, polyhedral occlusion bodies in the host cell nucleus.
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