nucleoprotein

1 7.9

A complex of protein and DNA or RNA found inside cells

noun
/ˌnjuːklɪoʊˈproʊtiːn/

Specialized

: nucleoproteína

Several of the A(H7N9) virus internal genes (polymerase basic protein PB1, matrix, nonstructural protein, and nucleoprotein) originated from the H9N2 subtype commonly found in chickens.
nucleoprotein gene
nucleoprotein gene sequences

And when we go inside, then we have another structural protein called nucleoprotein.

Examples

Each nucleoprotein in the cell plays a crucial role in gene expression and cellular function.
Full-length nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) gene sequences from samples were determined.

Academic text (2012)
Results of phylogenetic analysis of nucleoprotein gene sequences from representative Lyssavirus species and this novel lyssavirus provided strong empirical evidence that this is a new lyssavirus species, designated Ikoma lyssavirus.

Academic text (2012)
Structures like nucleoprotein help package DNA efficiently within the nucleus.
The study revealed that nucleoprotein is essential for the replication of certain viruses.

Surface Forms

nucleoprotein singular

nucleoproteins plural

Morphology

nucleoprotein = protein (semi-transparent) = nucleo + protein

The combining form 'nucleo-' clearly signals a relation to nucleus/nucleic acids in scientific vocabulary but may be unfamiliar to general learners; 'protein' is transparent.

Etymology

The word nucleoprotein comes from nucleo- meaning 'core' and protein. So a nucleoprotein is a protein found with the cell's core material, like DNA or RNA in the nucleus.