RNA
UK[ˌɑːr en ˈeɪ]US[ˌɑːr en ˈeɪ]
n
A substance in the cells of living things that carries information from DNA and is involved in making proteins.
Etymology
RNA is a modern scientific initialism, coined in the 20th century from the full name "ribonucleic acid." The term "ribonucleic" combines "ribose," the specific sugar component of its structure, with "nucleic," indicating its relation to the cell nucleus where it was first identified. "Acid" classifies it chemically based on its properties. Thus, the term is a direct, descriptive label for a biochemical entity, representing a logical compounding of established scientific vocabulary rather than an evolution from ancient roots.
Analysis
This is an initialism, not a word formed from combinable morphemes. It stands for "ribonucleic acid". The components are:
- 'R' for 'ribo-': from 'ribose', a type of sugar, itself from 'arabinose' (a sugar) with alteration.
- 'N' for 'nucleic': from 'nucleus', referring to the cell nucleus.
- 'A' for 'acid': a class of chemical compounds.
Examples
Messenger RNA carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery.
Scientists are developing vaccines that use synthetic RNA to trigger an immune response.
The virus's genetic material is composed of single-stranded RNA.