Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
nucleic acid
Noun
/ˈnukleɪɪk ˈæsɪd/
Definition
Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all known forms of life, primarily involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information.
Examples
- DNA, a type of nucleic acid, serves as the blueprint for all living organisms.
- RNA plays a crucial role in translating genetic code into proteins.
- Nucleic acids are vital for cell replication and protein synthesis.
Meaning
The term ‘nucleic acid’ refers to the molecules that store and transmit genetic information in cells. There are two main types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Synonyms
- Genetic material
- DNA
- RNA
