Adenine

Adenine is a nucleobase, which is a fundamental component of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. It is one of the four nucleobases found in these molecules, the others being guanine, cytosine, and thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA).

Structure

Adenine has a purine structure, consisting of a six-membered ring fused to a five-membered ring. It forms hydrogen bonds with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA.

Function

Adenine plays a crucial role in the genetic code, as it pairs with thymine in DNA or with uracil in RNA, forming the basis for the genetic information stored in these molecules.

Study Guide

• What is the chemical composition of adenine?
• Describe the structure of adenine.
• What role does adenine play in the genetic code?
• How does adenine pair with other nucleobases in DNA and RNA?

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