| 释义 |
nucleic, a. Chem.|njuːˈkliːɪk, -ˈeɪɪk, ˈnjuːklɪɪk|
[f. nucle-us + -ic.]
nucleic acid, any of the naturally occurring polynucleotides present in most cells (chiefly in the chromosomes and ribosomes), which either store genetic information or translate this into the structure of proteins; they fall into two distinct classes, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), each of which consists of long unbranched molecules of very high molecular weight and usu. occurs in combination with protein (nucleoprotein). [prob. tr. G. nucleïnsäure (R. Altmann 1889, in Arch. für Anat. u. Physiol. (Physiol. Abth.) 524).]
1892Jrnl. Chem. Soc. LXII. 224 The preparation of nucleïc acid from nucleïn by Altmann..gives a further means of distinguishing between the two groups. 1893Brit. Med. Jrnl. Mar. 573/1 Nucleic acid contains carbon [etc.]. 1896Allbutt's Syst. Med. I. 165 Nuclein, which consists of an organic phosphorus-containing acid, termed nucleic acid, in combination with proteid. 1908[see glycoprotein s.v. glyco-]. 1942Endeavour I. 104/1 Nucleic acid renders a further invaluable service—it makes the chromosomes visible. 1958Listener 31 July 165/1 The advances of organic chemistry in the last 100 years, advances culminating in the nucleic acid story, lately so much discussed. 1960L. Picken Organization of Cells iv. 126 The Watson and Crick helical model of nucleic acid suggests that accurate replication of a unique serial order of nucleotides might readily occur if the two helical chains could be partially uncoiled, so that each might serve as a mould for a new chain. 1972Sci. Amer. June 41/3 The only other compounds that are as important in living systems are the nucleic acids, which are the repository of genetic information and direct the synthesis of proteins. |