A nucleoside analog is a compound structurally similar to a nucleoside, which is a building block of DNA and RNA. These analogs can interfere with DNA replication and transcription, often used as antiviral or anticancer agents.
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They can cause mutations by being incorporated into DNA during replication.
Nucleoside analogs are often used in antiviral therapies to inhibit viral replication.
Some nucleoside analogs can act as chain terminators, preventing further elongation of the DNA strand.
They can be toxic to cells because they can disrupt normal cellular processes.
Nucleoside analogs are studied for their potential use in treating various cancers.