NUCLEOBASE Meaning and
Definition
-
A nucleobase refers to the essential building blocks of nucleic acids, which are large biological macromolecules responsible for carrying and transmitting genetic information. Specifically, nucleobases are nitrogenous organic molecules that make up the genetic alphabet, consisting of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). These molecules play a crucial role in encoding and decoding the genetic instructions necessary for the functioning and development of all living organisms.
Nucleobases are classified into two categories: purines and pyrimidines. Purines include adenine (A) and guanine (G), which possess a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines include cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U) with a single-ring structure. Adenine and guanine can be found in both DNA and RNA, while cytosine and thymine are exclusive to DNA, and uracil is found only in RNA.
The nucleobases are connected to a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA), forming nucleosides, which in turn combine with one or more phosphate groups to create nucleotides. Nucleotides are the monomers that form the polymer chains of DNA and RNA. Through specific pairing rules, the nucleobases in DNA (adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine) and in RNA (adenine with uracil and cytosine with guanine) establish the complementary base pairing interactions necessary for the accurate replication and transmission of genetic information.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEOBASE
- bucleobase
- mucleobase
- jucleobase
- hucleobase
- nycleobase
- nhcleobase
- njcleobase
- nicleobase
- n8cleobase
- n7cleobase
- nuxleobase
- nuvleobase
- nufleobase
- nudleobase
- nuckeobase
- nucpeobase
- nucoeobase
- nuclwobase
- nuclsobase
- nucldobase
Etymology of NUCLEOBASE
The word "nucleobase" is derived from the combination of two words: "nucleo" and "base".
1. "Nucleo" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "seed". In biology, a nucleus refers to the central part of a cell that contains genetic material. The term "nucleo-" is used as a prefix in various biological contexts related to nucleus or nuclear materials.
2. "Base" refers to a chemical compound that forms part of a nucleotide, which is the building block of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Bases are primarily responsible for the coding of genetic information.
When combined, the word "nucleobase" essentially refers to the bases found in DNA and RNA molecules, which are essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
