Adenine

Definition

Adenine is one of the four nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA, pairing with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. It plays a crucial role in encoding genetic information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds in DNA.
2. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.
3. Adenine is a purine base, which means it has a double-ring structure.
4. It is essential for the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a key energy carrier in cells.
5. Mutations involving adenine can lead to genetic disorders or diseases.

Review Questions

• With which base does adenine pair in DNA?
• What type of chemical structure does adenine have?
• Why is adenine important for cellular energy?

Related terms

Thymine:

A nitrogenous base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Uracil:

A nitrogenous base that pairs with adenine in RNA.

Purines: A category of nitrogenous bases that includes adenine and guanine, characterized by a double-ring structure.