Nucleobases

Nucleobases are the nitrogenous bases that form the building blocks of the genetic materials, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). They are fundamental components of nucleotides, which are the basic structural units of nucleic acids. Nucleobases are organic molecules and are found in all living organisms.

Types of Nucleobases

There are five primary types of nucleobases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U). Adenine and guanine are classified as purines, while cytosine, thymine, and uracil are pyrimidines.

Adenine

Adenine is a purine nucleobase. In DNA, adenine binds to thymine via two hydrogen bonds to assist in stabilizing the nucleic acid structures.

Guanine

Guanine is also a purine nucleobase. In DNA, guanine binds to cytosine via three hydrogen bonds, contributing to the stability of the DNA molecule.

Cytosine

Cytosine is a pyrimidine nucleobase. In DNA, it binds to guanine with three hydrogen bonds.

Thymine

Thymine is a pyrimidine nucleobase. It is found only in DNA and binds to adenine.

Uracil

Uracil is a pyrimidine nucleobase. It is found only in RNA and binds to adenine.

Function of Nucleobases

Nucleobases play a crucial role in the storage and transmission of genetic information within a cell and during the production of proteins. They also have significant roles in cellular signaling and metabolism.

See Also

• Nucleotide
• DNA
• RNA
• Genetics

Nucleobases Resources
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