Nucleoside
Nucleoside
A Nucleoside (/ˈnjuːklɪəˌsaɪd/) is a compound that is an integral part of the genetic material in all living organisms. It is a subunit of nucleic acids, such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Etymology
The term "Nucleoside" is derived from the words "nucleus", referring to the central part of an atom, and "side", from the Greek "sidos", meaning "a seat".
Structure
A nucleoside consists of a nitrogenous base and a sugar (ribose or deoxyribose) molecule. The nitrogenous base can be either a purine (adenine or guanine) or a pyrimidine (cytosine, thymine, or uracil).
Function
Nucleosides play a crucial role in various biological functions. They are the building blocks of nucleic acids, which are essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information. In addition, they are involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, such as protein synthesis and cell division.
Related Terms
- Nucleotide: A nucleoside with one or more phosphate groups attached.
- Nucleoside analog: A compound structurally similar to a nucleoside, used in medicine to inhibit viral replication and treat cancer.
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): A class of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nucleoside
- Wikipedia's article - Nucleoside
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