Definition

Adjective: - Having only one strand. This term is primarily used in molecular biology to describe nucleic acids (like DNA or RNA) that consist of a single chain of nucleotides, as opposed to the double-stranded structure of the typical DNA double helix.

Usage

The adjective "single-stranded" is used attributively, almost always placed directly before the noun it modifies. It is a technical term specific to biochemistry and genetics. - It describes the physical structure of a nucleic acid molecule. - It is commonly paired with "RNA" or "DNA" (e.g., single-stranded RNA).

Examples

• Attributive use:
  • The virus contains a single-stranded genome.
  • Single-stranded DNA is an intermediate in some replication processes.
  • Researchers studied the folding of the single-stranded nucleic acid.

Advanced Usage

• In contrast to "double-stranded": The term is often used to highlight a structural difference.
  • Unlike the host's double-stranded DNA, the viral genetic material is single-stranded.

Variants and Related Words

• Single strand (noun phrase): Refers to the singular chain itself.
  • The enzyme binds to the single strand of DNA.
• Double-stranded (adjective): Having two complementary strands bound together.
• Strand (noun): A single thread or fiber; in genetics, a linear polymer of nucleotides.

Synonyms

• Unpaired (in a specific genetic context, though less precise).
• Monocatenary (a highly technical synonym).

Notes

• "Single-stranded" is a hyphenated compound adjective. The hyphens are essential when it precedes a noun (e.g., ) to show it functions as a single descriptive unit.
• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this technical term.

Adjective

1. having a single strand
   • single-stranded RNA