Nucleotide

A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA and RNA, the molecules that store and transfer genetic information. It consists of three parts: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. These components are linked together in a specific order, forming a long chain that encodes instructions for how an organism develops and functions. The sequence of nucleotides determines genetic traits and allows cells to produce necessary proteins. Nucleotides are essential for life, serving as the foundational units of genetic material in all living organisms.