ScienceJuly 13, 2026
deoxyribose
/diˌɒksiˈraɪboʊs/
Definition
A sugar molecule derived from ribose by the removal of one oxygen atom, serving as a fundamental chemical component of DNA.
Etymology
The term is a chemical compound word formed by 'deoxy-' (indicating the removal of an oxygen atom), 'ribose' (the sugar from which it is derived), and the suffix '-ose' denoting a sugar. It reflects the specific molecular structure required for genetic material.
In the news
In the article, the author highlights deoxyribose as a complex sugar that scientists hope to detect in space. Finding such sugars is crucial to understanding how the chemical foundations of DNA and life originated before planets even formed.
A Sweet Surprise: Scientists Find Sugar Deep in Our Galaxy
Read the full article ↗The New York Times