Nitrogenous Base of Nucleic Acids – Purine and Pyrimidine
There are two types of nitrogenous bases present:
- Purines: Purines are larger, double-ring structures consisting of adenine (A) and guanine (G). Adenine pairs with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA) via hydrogen bonds, while guanine pairs with cytosine via similar bonds.
- Pyrimidines: Pyrimidines are smaller, single-ring structures consisting of cytosine (C), thymine (in DNA), uracil (in RNA), and the less common base, cytosine (C). Pyrimidines pair with complementary bases: cytosine pairs with guanine, and thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA) pairs with adenine.
Now let’s discuss it in detail.
Nucleic Acid – Definition, Function, Structure, and Types
The nucleic acid is an important molecule in living organisms. Nucleic acid functions as the blueprint for genetic information. Understanding the nucleic acid structure and functions helps in deciphering the genetic code, which contains instructions for building and maintaining living organisms.
In this article, we will cover nucleic acid definition, structure, functions, formula and more.
Table of Content
- Nucleic Acid Meaning
- Nucleic Acid Structure
- Sugar
- The Group of Phosphates
- Nitrogenous Base
- Nitrogenous Base of Nucleic Acids – Purine and Pyrimidine
- Purine
- Adenine
- Guanine
- Pyrimidines
- Thymine
- Cytosine
- Uracil
- Nucleic Acid Function
- Nucleic Acid Examples
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
- RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)