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Ribonucleic acid
Ribonucleic acid RNA. The generic term for polynucleotides, similar to DNA but containing ribose in place of deoxyribose and uracil in place of thymine. These molecules are involved in the transfer of information from DNA, programming protein synthesis and maintaining ribosome structure. The 4 main types of RNA are heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
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RNA
Ribonucleic acid. A long-chain, usually single-stranded. The primary function of RNA is protein synthesis within a cell. However, RNA is involved in various ways in the processes of expression and repression of hereditary information. The three main functionally distinct varieties of RNA molecules are: (1) messenger RNA (mRNA) which is involved in the transmission of DNA information, (2) ribosomal RNa (rRNA) which makes up the physical machinery of the synthetic process, and (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) which also constitutes another functional part of the machinery of protein synthesis.
Generic
A drug not protected by a trademark. Also, the scientific name as opposed to the proprietary, brand name.
Polynucleotides
Long chains of nucleotides formed by chemical links between the sugar and phosphate groups.
Uracil
A nitrogenous base normally found in RNA but not DNA; uracil is capable of forming a base pair with adenine.
Thymine
A nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adenine-thymine).
DNA
Deoxyribo-Nucleic acid. DNA molecules carry the genetic information necessary for the organization and functioning of most living cells and control the inheritance of characteristics.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Ribosome
A cytoplasmic cellular structure, composed of ribonucleic acid and protein, that functions in the synthesis of protein. Ribosomes interact with messenger RNA and transfer RNA to join together amino acid units into a polypeptide chain according to the sequence determined by the genetic code.
Heterogeneous
Dissimilar in type, and having different or opposing characteristics.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Ribosome
A cytoplasmic cellular structure, composed of ribonucleic acid and protein, that functions in the synthesis of protein. Ribosomes interact with messenger RNA and transfer RNA to join together amino acid units into a polypeptide chain according to the sequence determined by the genetic code.
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Rofecoxib
A substance used for pain relief that is also being studied for its ability to prevent cancer and to block the growth of new blood vessels to solid tumors. It belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid. A long-chain, usually single-stranded. The primary function of RNA is protein synthesis within a cell. However, RNA is involved in various ways in the processes of expression and repression of hereditary information. The three main functionally distinct varieties of RNA molecules are: (1) messenger RNA (mRNA) which is involved in the transmission of DNA information, (2) ribosomal RNa (rRNA) which makes up the physical machinery of the synthetic process, and (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) which also constitutes another functional part of the machinery of protein synthesis.
Ribonucleic acid
Receptor
A molecule that recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert its biological action.
Retina
A membrane lining the inside of the back of the eye that contains light-sensitive nerve cells that convert focused light into nerve impulses, making vision possible.
Recessive gene
A gene that is inferior to another gene that controls the same trait (the dominant gene). The inferior gene does not get expressed in the presence of a dominant gene.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Rheumatism
A general disease characterized by painful, often multiple, local inflammations, usually affecting the joints and muscles, but also extending sometimes to the deeper organs, as the heart.
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