MONONUCLEOTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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A mononucleotide refers to a molecule consisting of a single nucleotide unit. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, serving as the fundamental units of genetic information in all living organisms. Each mononucleotide is composed of three main components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base. The phosphate group consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, forming a negatively charged group. The sugar molecule, either ribose or deoxyribose, provides structural support and stability to the nucleotide. Lastly, the nitrogenous base is a cyclic or heterocyclic compound that determines the type of nucleotide.
There are five different nitrogenous bases found in nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T), and uracil (U). Mononucleotides vary depending on the specific combination of these bases. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), guanosine monophosphate (GMP), cytidine monophosphate (CMP), thymidine monophosphate (TMP), and uridine monophosphate (UMP) are examples of mononucleotides.
Mononucleotides are crucial for various biological processes. They participate in the construction of DNA and RNA molecules by connecting to form chains through phosphodiester bonds. Additionally, mononucleotides are involved in cellular signaling pathways such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, cAMP signaling, and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Furthermore, they serve as energy carriers in biochemical reactions; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a well-known molecule
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A simple nucleic acid combined with one base only.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MONONUCLEOTIDE
- mononucleotidu
- mononucleotidm
- mononucleotida
- mononucleotidg
- moknownucleotide
- m ononucleotide
- mo nonucleotide
- mon onucleotide
- mono nucleotide
- monon ucleotide
- mononu cleotide
- mononuc leotide
- mononucl eotide
- mononucle otide
- mononucleo tide
- mononucleot ide
- mononucleoti de
- mononucleotid e
Etymology of MONONUCLEOTIDE
The word "mononucleotide" is derived from two Greek roots: "mono", meaning "one", and "nucleotide", which refers to a building block of nucleic acids.
The term "mono" comes from the Greek word "monos", which means "single" or "alone". It is often used as a prefix in English to indicate singularity or unity, as seen in words like "monopoly" (single control), "monotonous" (having a single tone or sound), and "monogamy" (having one spouse).
The second part of the word, "nucleotide", originates from the Greek word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "seed". In biology, a nucleotide is one of the structural units that make up nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. It consists of a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate group.
