nucleotide
nounUK /ˈnjuːkliətaɪd/
US /ˈnuːkliətaɪd/
A nucleotide is a tiny building block that helps make up DNA and RNA in living things.
Each nucleotide in DNA carries a small piece of genetic information.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A molecule made of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
The nucleotide structure includes a sugar ring attached to a phosphate.
3. A unit in a polymer chain of nucleic acids.
Scientists sequenced millions of nucleotides to map the genome.
4. A compound involved in energy transfer within cells, such as ATP.
ATP is a nucleotide that stores and releases energy for cell work.