NUCLEOPROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Nucleoprotein is a term used in the field of biochemistry to describe a complex molecule composed of a nucleus, which contains genetic material, and proteins. It refers to a biological macromolecule resulting from the combination of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, with protein constituents. Nucleoproteins are essential components of the cells of all living organisms as they play crucial roles in various biological processes.
In eukaryotic organisms, nucleoproteins are primarily found in the form of chromatin, which is the condensed structure that makes up chromosomes. Chromatin consists of DNA tightly wound around histone proteins, which help in the packaging and organization of genetic material within a cell's nucleus. By facilitating the coiling and uncoiling of DNA, nucleoproteins regulate gene expression and control access to genetic information.
Aside from their role in DNA packaging, nucleoproteins are involved in other important cellular functions such as DNA replication, transcription, and repair. They also contribute to the structural integrity of chromosomes and ensure the proper segregation of genetic material during cell division.
In addition to eukaryotes, nucleoproteins are also found in prokaryotic organisms, although their composition and functions differ. In prokaryotes, nucleoid-associated proteins bind to DNA and aid in its organization and compaction within the cell. These nucleoproteins are crucial for the maintenance and dynamic regulation of the bacterial genome.
Overall, nucleoproteins are vital for maintaining the stability, integrity, and functionality of genetic material, making them fundamental components of all living cells.
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One of a group of conjugated proteins consisting of a compound of simple protein with nucleic acid; they are an important constituent of the cell-nucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEOPROTEIN
- bucleoprotein
- mucleoprotein
- jucleoprotein
- hucleoprotein
- nycleoprotein
- nhcleoprotein
- njcleoprotein
- nicleoprotein
- n8cleoprotein
- n7cleoprotein
- nuxleoprotein
- nuvleoprotein
- nufleoprotein
- nudleoprotein
- nuckeoprotein
- nucpeoprotein
- nucoeoprotein
- nuclwoprotein
- nuclsoprotein
Etymology of NUCLEOPROTEIN
The word "nucleoprotein" is composed of two components: "nucleo-" and "protein".
1. "Nucleo-" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", which means "kernel" or "core". In biology, the term "nucleo-" is used to refer to the nucleus, which is the central part of a cell that contains genetic material.
2. "Protein" comes from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "primary" or "of the first rank". It refers to a class of biomolecules that are essential for various cellular functions and are made up of amino acids.
Therefore, "nucleoprotein" is a compound word combining "nucleo-" from Latin and "protein" from Greek.
Similar spelling word for NUCLEOPROTEIN
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