What does polynucleotide mean?
Polynucleotide is a technical term for a chain of nucleotide units connected by covalent bonds. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base; when many nucleotides are linked together, they form a polynucleotide. The most familiar examples are DNA and RNA, whose particular sequences of nucleotides store and transmit genetic information. Polynucleotides can also refer to synthetic chains made for laboratory or medical research. The word is especially common in discussions of molecular biology, sequencing, nucleic-acid structure, replication, transcription, and DNA or RNA repair. Its importance lies in showing how genetic information depends not merely on individual chemical components but on their precise order within a long molecular chain.
nounA biopolymer composed of a chain of nucleotide units joined by covalent bonds. The term is especially used for the nucleic-acid molecules DNA and RNA.
- A molecule or material consisting of many covalently linked nucleotide units, especially DNA or RNA.
"The enzyme helped repair a break in the polynucleotide strand."
"Researchers used a synthetic polynucleotide to model the repair of damaged DNA."
"The polynucleotide sequence contains the genetic information needed to produce the protein."
Used when referring to more than one polynucleotide molecule or to several distinct nucleotide chains.
"The researchers compared the sequences of several polynucleotides from different samples."
Every strand of DNA is a polynucleotide: a molecular chain that carries instructions in the order of its nucleotides.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polynucleotide come from?
The word combines the combining form poly-, from Greek polys, meaning “many,” with nucleotide. The latter is built from elements associated with Latin nucleus, meaning “kernel” or “nut,” reflecting the role of the nucleus in nucleic-acid molecules. Related English words include nucleotide, nucleoside, nucleobase, nucleic, and nuclear, all reflecting this shared nuclear or nucleic theme.
How polynucleotide is actually used
Polynucleotide is primarily used in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related technical contexts. It is generally a formal scientific term rather than everyday vocabulary.
Easily confused with polynucleotide
A nucleotide is a single unit consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, whereas a polynucleotide is a chain made from many nucleotide units.
Nucleic acid is the broader category, while polynucleotide specifically emphasizes the polymeric chain structure of such molecules.