Description: Nucleotide analogs are molecules that resemble nucleotides, the basic units that make up nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. These molecules can interfere with nucleic acid synthesis by being incorporated instead of natural nucleotides during replication or transcription. Their chemical structure is similar to that of nucleotides, allowing them to be recognized by the enzymes involved in nucleic acid synthesis. However, they often lack certain functional characteristics that are essential for normal biological activity, which can result in the disruption of critical cellular processes. Nucleotide analogs are of great interest in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, as they can be used as tools to study molecular biology and as therapeutic agents in the treatment of various diseases, including certain types of cancer and viral infections. Their ability to mimic natural nucleotides gives them a crucial role in the development of antiviral and chemotherapeutic drugs, making them an active area of study in bioinformatics and molecular biology.
