ENGLISH
REFERENCE

RNA

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɑˌɹɛˈneɪ// rna

n. Stands for ribonucleic acid. A molecule in your cells that carries instructions from your DNA to help build proteins. It acts like a messenger that tells the cell how to grow and function.

n. Abbreviation for ribonucleic acid. A nucleic acid present in all living cells that acts as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins. In some viruses, it serves as the primary carrier of genetic information.


SIMPLE

The vaccine uses a small piece of RNA to teach the body.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists studied how the virus uses its own RNA to hijack the host cell's machinery and replicate itself.

COMPLEX

Messenger RNA plays a critical role in gene expression by translating the genetic code stored in the nucleus into functional proteins within the cytoplasm.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the substance; can be countable when referring to specific types (e.g., 'different RNAs').

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