Word
nucleotide
Phoneticsnu·cleo·tide
US/ˈnukɫiəˌtaɪd/
UK/njˈuːklɪˌɒtaɪd/
Definition
n. a small chemical unit that is the basic building block of DNA and RNA. These units join together to form the long strands that carry genetic information.
n. a monomer consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group, which serves as the fundamental unit of nucleic acids. Each nucleotide contributes to the genetic code through its specific base pairing.
Examples
“Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.”
“Scientists identified a specific nucleotide sequence that was responsible for the mutation in the virus.”
“The precise arrangement of nucleotides along the DNA helix determines the genetic instructions for protein synthesis and cellular function.”
Examples
simple
“Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.”
contextual
“Scientists identified a specific nucleotide sequence that was responsible for the mutation in the virus.”
complex
“The precise arrangement of nucleotides along the DNA helix determines the genetic instructions for protein synthesis and cellular function.”
Real-World Examples
“This process relies on a continuous supply of molecular building blocks, specifically pyrimidine nucleotides.” “A major factor determining its stability is the poly(A) tail, a stretch of adenine nucleotides at the end of the molecule.” Etymology
From nucleo- (“relating to the nucleus”) + -ide (“chemical suffix”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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