Thymine

Definition

Thymine is one of the four nucleobases in the DNA molecule, symbolized by 'T'. It pairs with adenine (A) through two hydrogen bonds to help stabilize the nucleic acid structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thymine is a pyrimidine base, which means it has a single-ring structure.
2. It forms two hydrogen bonds with adenine, contributing to the double helix structure of DNA.
3. Thymine is replaced by uracil in RNA molecules.
4. Mutations involving thymine can lead to genetic diseases or cancers due to errors in DNA replication or repair.
5. Ultraviolet light can cause thymine dimers, leading to DNA damage and potentially skin cancer.

Review Questions

• What type of bond does thymine form with adenine?
• How does thymine differ structurally from uracil?
• What are potential consequences of mutations involving thymine?

Related terms

Adenine:

A purine base that pairs with thymine in DNA.

Uracil:

A pyrimidine base that replaces thymine in RNA.

Pyrimidines: A class of nucleobases characterized by a single-ring structure; includes cytosine and thymine.