Nucleotide
Nucleotide Definition A nucleotide is regarded as the basic building block of nucleic acid (e.g. DNA and RNA ). A nucleic acid, in turn, is one of the major groups of biomolecules (the others are carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids). Nucleic acids are involved in the preservation, replication, and expression of hereditary information. Nucleotides also provide chemical energy in the form of their nucleoside triphosphates. Additionally, they participate in cell signaling and form a second messenger in cellular processes. Nucleotide (biology definition): the fundamental building block of nucleic acid; an organic compound made up of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. Etymology: “ nucleo “- (“nucleus”) + – ide (chemical suffix). Characteristics of Nucleotides A nucleotide is an organic compound made up of three subunits: a nitrogenous base , a five-carbon sugar , and a phosphate group . The s...