nucleic acid

[ noo-klee-ik, -kley-, nyoo- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of long, linear macromolecules, either DNA or various types of RNA, that carry genetic information directing all cellular functions: composed of linked nucleotides.

nucleic acid

/ njuːˈkliːɪk; -ˈkleɪ- /

noun

1. See DNA, RNA
   biochem any of a group of complex compounds with a high molecular weight that are vital constituents of all living cells See also RNA DNA

nucleic acid

/ no̅o̅-klē′ĭk /

1. Any of a group of very large polymeric nucleotides that constitute the genetic material of living cells and viruses and that code for the amino acid sequences of proteins. Nucleic acids consist of either one or two long chains of repeating units called nucleotides, which consist of a nitrogen base (a purine or pyrimidine) attached to a sugar phosphate. The two main nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. In DNA, the nitrogen bases along the length of one chain are linked to complementary bases in the other chain by hydrogen bonds, and both chains coil around each other in a double helix. Particular sequences of nucleotides constitute genes and encode instructions for sequences of amino acids when proteins are synthesized. In RNA, which is usually single-stranded, complementary bases within the single strand may pair with each other, forming structures other than a double helix.
2. See more at DNA

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucleic acid¹

1890–95; nucle(us) + -ic; compare German Nucleïnsäure (1889)

Example Sentences

Of the four basic components on the right, thymine occurs in the nucleic acid from the thymus gland.

From Project Gutenberg

Yeast is rich in nucleic acid, but this has not found any special applications.

From Project Gutenberg

We have found substantial evidence which demonstrates that there is no interconversion of the two types of nucleic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Desoxyribose nucleic acid in the symbiotic microorganisms of the cockroach, Blattella germanica.

From Project Gutenberg

The synthesis of both types of nucleic acid are independent of each other.

From Project Gutenberg