RIBOSE Meaning and
Definition
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Ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide, which is a type of simple sugar, primarily found in living organisms. It is classified as a pentose sugar, consisting of five carbon atoms. Ribose is an essential component of RNA (ribonucleic acid), a vital molecule involved in the transfer and storage of genetic information.
In its structural formula, ribose is depicted as a chain-like molecule, with each of its five carbon atoms numbered from one to five. It also contains hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to some of its carbons. The oxygen atoms are also present to complete the stability of the molecule structure.
Ribose plays a crucial role in the synthesis of RNA, as it provides the basic backbone for the formation of RNA strands. It is involved in the creation of the sugar-phosphate backbone by binding with the phosphate groups. This process forms the stable structure of the RNA molecule, facilitating its functions in gene expression, protein synthesis, and other essential biological processes.
Additionally, ribose is utilized in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy carrier in cells, through a series of complex biochemical reactions known as the pentose phosphate pathway.
Ribose can also be synthetically produced for various purposes such as scientific research and pharmaceutical applications. It is available as a supplement and is marketed as an energy-enhancing substance due to its alleged ability to improve energy production and physical performance.
Common Misspellings for RIBOSE
Etymology of RIBOSE
The word "ribose" is derived from the Latin word "ribes" which means "currant". The term was coined by the Italian chemist and biochemist, Phoebus Levene, who discovered ribose in 1905 while working with nucleic acids. He named it "ribose" because the substance was found in the ribonucleic acids (RNA) of cells. The suffix "-ose" is used in chemistry to denote a sugar, indicating that ribose is a type of sugar molecule.
Similar spelling words for RIBOSE
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