nuclein
nounUK /ˈnjuː.klɪ.ɪn/ · US /ˈn(j)u.kli.ɪn/
Etymology From German Nuclein, corresponding to nucleus + -in.
1
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A phosphorus-rich protein found in the nucleus of a cell, later specifically nucleohistone or nucleoprotamine; also, any similar compound present in the cell nucleus.
- While delving microscopically through the pus in surgical bandages, Miescher found a substance he didn't recognize and called it nuclein (because it resided in the nuclei of cells).2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, published 2003, page 354:
- Related terms
- nucleic acid, protein