What it means
The two nucleic acids are DNAdee-en-AY (said as letters)Deoxyribonucleic acid: the molecule in cells that carries the genetic instructions for growth and function.Full entry , which stores the genetic instructions in the nucleus of each cell, and RNAar-en-AY (said as letters)Ribonucleic acid: a molecule in cells that copies genetic instructions from DNA and helps build proteins.Full entry , which copies those instructions and uses them to build proteins. Viruses carry one or the other. Nucleic acid tests (NATs), such as PCR tests, find the genetic material of a germ and are used to diagnose infections such as COVID-19, HIV and hepatitis.
At a glance
| Also written | nucleic acids |
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Related terms
cellular
Relating to cells, the smallest living units that make up the body.
mutation
A change in the genetic code (DNA) of a cell.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid: a molecule in cells that copies genetic instructions from DNA and helps build proteins.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid: the molecule in cells that carries the genetic instructions for growth and function.