RNA

UK: ɑːr ɛn ˈeɪ | US: ɑːr ɛn ˈeɪ

Definition

  1. n. (Biochemistry) Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells, essential for coding, decoding, and gene expression.

Structure
R <ribose>N <nucleic>A <acid>
Etymology

The term "RNA" is an initialism derived from "ribonucleic acid," coined in the early 20th century to distinguish it from DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The components reflect its chemical composition: ribose sugar (R), nucleic backbone (N), and acidic properties (A). Its naming follows scientific conventions for biomolecules, emphasizing structural clarity.

Examples

  1. RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.

  2. Scientists study RNA to understand viral replication.

  3. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA.

  4. Some viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, use RNA as their genetic material.

  5. RNA interference is a mechanism for gene silencing.