nucleic acid /no̅o̅klē″ik/ [L, nucleus + acidus, sour] , a high–molecular-weight polymeric compound composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a purine or pyrimidine base, a ribose or deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate group. Nucleic acids are involved in the determination and transmission of genetic characteristics. Kinds include deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid. See also nucleotide.
