Dinucleotide

/daɪˌnu.kli.əˈtaɪd/ noun

Definition

A molecule made of two nucleotides bonded together, the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA.

Etymology

From Latin prefix 'di-' (two) + 'nucleotide,' which comes from 'nucleus' (kernel) + Greek 'nucleon,' formed in the mid-20th century as molecular biology vocabulary.

Kelly Says

Dinucleotides are like the LEGO bricks of LEGO bricks—while DNA contains millions of nucleotides, scientists study dinucleotides because their simple structure reveals how genetic information actually binds and codes in your cells.

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