: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Examples of RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Astrobiologists believe that the nucleic acids RNA and DNA first developed with some level of contribution from amino acids and other molecules that rode in on asteroids like Bennu billions of years ago. Linda Shiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024 The researchers also sequenced RNA in astronauts’ blood, finding that the stress of spaceflight affected the transcription of immune system genes, possibly reducing the body’s ability to defend against viruses. science.org, 21 June 2024 The investigators performed numerous tests, including using CRISPR to delete AHR and see what happened, running single-cell analysis, RNA sequencing, and studying patients on a lupus therapy. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 10 July 2024 Adverse conditions quickly degrade the RNA, DNA, and proteins from which they’re built. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for RNA 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'RNA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of RNA was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near RNA

Cite this Entry

“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

: any of various nucleic acids that are typically found in the cytoplasm of cells, are usually composed of a single chain of nucleotides, differ from DNA in containing ribose as the five-carbon sugar instead of deoxyribose, and that function mostly in protein synthesis

called also ribonucleic acid

compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Medical Definition

: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities

called also ribonucleic acid

see messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

More from Merriam-Webster on RNA

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