Ribonucleotides

Ribonucleotides are molecules made up of ribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nitrogenous bases. They are the component molecules of ribonucleic acid (RNA), one of the two types of nucleic acid (the other being deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). Ribonucleotides play an essential role in the cell's gene expression, protein synthesis, and metabolic processes. They are also the precursors to DNA, meaning they are the starting molecules used in the process of DNA synthesis. In addition, they are used in the production of medicines and antiviral drugs, as well as in the synthesis of food, and in the synthesis of many materials such as plastics and drugs. Ribonucleotides are thus important in both basic research as well as industrial applications, and their importance will only continue to increase.