NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES Meaning and
Definition
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Nucleotide sequences refer to the specific arrangement or order of nucleotides in a strand of DNA or RNA. Nucleotides are the building blocks of these genetic molecules, and their sequence plays a critical role in encoding and transmitting biological information.
A nucleotide is composed of three main components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases found in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), while RNA contains uracil (U) instead of thymine. These bases form specific pairs, with A always pairing with T (or U in RNA), and C always pairing with G. These base pairs interact through hydrogen bonding, forming the characteristic double helix structure of DNA.
The unique combination and order of these nucleotides along the DNA or RNA strand constitute the genetic code. This code carries instructions for the synthesis of proteins and other cellular functions. Nucleotide sequences are responsible for encoding the information needed to build and regulate various biological molecules and processes.
Scientists utilize advanced technologies such as DNA sequencing methods to determine the precise sequence of nucleotides within a DNA or RNA molecule. By understanding and analyzing nucleotide sequences, researchers can gain insights into a wide range of fields, including genetics, evolutionary biology, medicine, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES
- bucleotide sequences
- mucleotide sequences
- jucleotide sequences
- hucleotide sequences
- nycleotide sequences
- nhcleotide sequences
- njcleotide sequences
- nicleotide sequences
- n8cleotide sequences
- n7cleotide sequences
- nuxleotide sequences
- nuvleotide sequences
- nufleotide sequences
- nudleotide sequences
- nuckeotide sequences
- nucpeotide sequences
- nucoeotide sequences
- nuclwotide sequences
- nuclsotide sequences
- nucldotide sequences
Etymology of NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES
The word "nucleotide sequences" is composed of two main components: "nucleotide" and "sequences". Here's the etymology of each:
1. Nucleotide: The word "nucleotide" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "nucleus", and the Greek word "hodos", meaning "way" or "path". The term was coined in the mid-20th century in the field of biochemistry to describe the building blocks of nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA.
2. Sequences: The word "sequence" comes from the Latin word "sequi", which means "to follow" or "to pursue". In the context of biology and genetics, it refers to the order in which nucleotides are arranged in a DNA or RNA molecule.
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