nucleic acids

Cultural  

1. Organic molecule (see also organic molecule) found in the nuclei of cells. DNA and RNA, the best-known nucleic acids, govern heredity and the chemical processes in the cell.

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Example Sentences

The goal is to make companies that sell the synthetic nucleic acids screen customer orders to block any combinations that could be dangerous, and make sure the customers who place the orders are legitimate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Opponents said it is subjective which combinations of nucleic acids are considered dangerous and warn that the costs of complying could hurt startups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

They break down proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, helping cells dispose of waste and reuse materials for essential biological processes.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Cells use RNA, a single-stranded string of nucleic acids that translates blueprints encoded in DNA into the production of proteins.

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2024

For why should I get excited learning boring chemical facts as long as the chemists never provided anything incisive about the nucleic acids?

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson