Deoxythymidine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฌ
deoxythymidine
[diหหษksษชหฮธษชmษชdiหn ]
Definition
biochemistry
Deoxythymidine is a nucleoside that is composed of the sugar deoxyribose and the base thymine. It is one of the building blocks of DNA and plays a crucial role in the synthesis and repair of genetic material. In cellular metabolism, deoxythymidine can be phosphorylated to form deoxythymidine monophosphate, which then contributes to DNA synthesis.
Synonyms
deoxythymidine monophosphate, thymidine.
Examples of usage
- Deoxythymidine is essential for DNA replication.
- The study examined the role of deoxythymidine in cellular growth.
- Deoxythymidine can be used as a marker in genetic assays.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biochemistry
- It plays a crucial role in the structure of DNA, pairing with adenine to create the genetic code.
- Cells use it in the synthesis of new DNA during cell division, ensuring accurate genetic replication.
Medical Relevance
- Studying deoxythymidine helps researchers understand disorders related to DNA replication and repair.
- Medicinally, it has been investigated for its role in treatments for certain cancers and genetic disorders.
History of Science
- James Watson and Francis Crickโs discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 highlighted the importance of components like deoxythymidine.
- The understanding of DNA's components paved the way for biotechnology advancements, including genetic engineering.
Pop Culture
- DNA has become a cultural icon in media, often referenced in movies and shows that explore genetics and identity.
- Terms related to genetic science, including DNA components, are often used in storytelling to represent themes of ancestry and the essence of life.
Origin of 'deoxythymidine'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'deoxy,' meaning lacking one oxygen atom, and 'thymidine,' which relates to thymine, one of the DNA bases.
- Originally, the term was formed in early 20th century to describe components of nucleotides, the building blocks of nucleic acids.
The term deoxythymidine was derived from the combination of 'deoxy', which refers to the absence of an oxygen atom, and 'thymidine', which comes from the base thymine found in DNA. The identification of deoxythymidine dates back to early studies of nucleic acids in the mid-20th century, as researchers began to elucidate the structure of DNA. Deoxythymidine plays a critical role in the understanding of DNA synthesis and replication in biological organisms. The advancements in molecular biology and genetic engineering have made deoxythymidine an important compound for laboratory studies, and its applications have expanded in medical research and biotechnology.