Why do electronic circuits need their power supply to be DC, or rectified AC?

I'm pretty sure the answer to this should be obvious - even to me ...

It's been a while I've been reading and attempting to construct simple electronic circuits. The supply almost always is either through a battery/cell, or AC duly rectified to DC.

I have the impression electronic circuits rarely ever work off an AC supply.

• Is this impression correct?



• If yes, why is an electronic circuit rarely (if ever) powered/biased using straight AC?