Nucleotide analogs

Nucleotide analogs are compounds that resemble the natural building blocks of DNA and RNA, but with slight chemical differences. They are used in medicine, particularly as antiviral or anticancer agents, because they can interfere with DNA or RNA synthesis. When incorporated into the genetic material of viruses or rapidly dividing cells, they can block replication or cause errors, preventing the virus from multiplying or cancer cells from growing. Essentially, they mimic normal nucleotides but disrupt the process of genetic copying, helping to control infections or tumor growth.