Definition

1. Noun:
   • A glycoside formed by partial hydrolysis of a nucleic acid: A nucleoside is a biochemical compound consisting of a nitrogenous base (like adenine or guanine) covalently linked to a sugar molecule (ribose or deoxyribose), but without a phosphate group. It is a fundamental building block of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Adenosine is a common nucleoside found in RNA.
  • The scientist studied the role of each nucleoside in the genetic sequence.
  • The drug is a nucleoside analogue used to treat viral infections.

Advanced Usage

• Nucleoside analogue: A synthetic compound designed to mimic a natural nucleoside, often used in antiviral or anticancer therapies to disrupt nucleic acid synthesis.
  • The patient was treated with a nucleoside analogue to inhibit the virus's replication.

Variants and Related Words

• Nucleotide (n): A compound consisting of a nucleoside linked to one or more phosphate groups, forming the monomeric units of nucleic acids.
  • DNA is a polymer made up of nucleotide units.

Synonyms

• Glycosylamine: A more general chemical term for a molecule consisting of an amine (the base) linked to a sugar.
• Base-sugar compound: A descriptive synonym highlighting its two main components.

Notes on Meaning

• The term nucleoside specifically refers to the base-sugar unit. It is distinct from a nucleotide, which includes one or more phosphate groups. Nucleosides are the structural precursors to nucleotides.

Noun

1. a glycoside formed by partial hydrolysis of a nucleic acid