RIBONUCLEIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a vital biomolecule found in all living cells that functions as a chemical messenger and carries the genetic information encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is an essential component in the process of protein synthesis, serving as an intermediary between the instructions contained within the DNA and the production of proteins necessary for various cellular functions.
RNA is composed of a long chain of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of the molecule. Each nucleotide contains a sugar molecule (ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Unlike DNA, RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).
There are several types of RNA, each with its distinct role within the cell. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from the DNA in the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. Transfer RNA (tRNA) acts as a carrier molecule, transporting amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural component of the ribosomes, aiding in the process of translation.
RNA is a versatile molecule involved in various biological processes, including gene regulation, viral replication, and catalytic functions. Its ability to transmit genetic information and facilitate protein synthesis makes it a fundamental component of cellular life.
Common Misspellings for RIBONUCLEIC ACID
- eibonucleic acid
- dibonucleic acid
- fibonucleic acid
- tibonucleic acid
- 5ibonucleic acid
- 4ibonucleic acid
- rubonucleic acid
- rjbonucleic acid
- rkbonucleic acid
- robonucleic acid
- r9bonucleic acid
- r8bonucleic acid
- rivonucleic acid
- rinonucleic acid
- rihonucleic acid
- rigonucleic acid
- ribinucleic acid
- ribknucleic acid
- riblnucleic acid
Etymology of RIBONUCLEIC ACID
The word "ribonucleic acid" (RNA) is composed of several components that describe its structure and function.
1. "Ribo-" is derived from "ribose", which is a type of sugar molecule present in RNA. It comes from the Latin word "ribes", meaning "red currant", as ribose was first identified from the juice of this fruit.
2. "Nucleic" refers to "nucleic acid", a class of biomolecules that include both RNA and DNA. The term "nucleic" is derived from the word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "core", as these molecules were initially discovered in the nucleus of cells.
3. "Acid" refers to the acidic nature of nucleic acids, which can donate protons and have a pH less than 7.
Similar spelling word for RIBONUCLEIC ACID
