Adenine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adenine
[หรฆd.ษช.niหn ]
Definition
biochemistry genetics
Adenine is one of the four primary nitrogenous bases found in the nucleotides of DNA and RNA. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy transfer, as it is part of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is vital for energy metabolism. Adenine pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA, forming base pairs that are essential for the structure of nucleic acids. It is also involved in various biochemical signaling pathways and functions as a coenzyme in cellular respiration.
Synonyms
a, ade, nucleobase.
Examples of usage
- Adenine is paired with thymine in DNA.
- The structure of ATP includes adenine.
- Adenine nucleotides are critical for energy transfer.
- Mutations in adenine sequences can affect genetics.
- Adenine is found in both DNA and RNA.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biochemistry
- Adenine is one of the four nucleobases in DNA, pairing with thymine to help form the double helix structure.
- In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil, showing the differences in genetic coding between DNA and RNA.
- It plays a critical role in cellular energy with its presence in molecules like ATP, which powers many cell functions.
Health
- Adenine is important for energy metabolism in the body, which helps keep us active.
- Deficiencies in nucleotides, including adenine, can lead to health issues, emphasizing its role in cell function.
- It is also involved in cellular signaling, which helps cells communicate and respond to changes.
Technology
- Research on adenine and its properties is at the forefront of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
- Synthetic adenine can be used in laboratory research to study its effects on various biological processes.
- Advancements in understanding adenine have opened doors for developing targeted therapies in medicine.
Literature
- Adenine appears in many scientific writings discussing DNA replication and genetic inheritance.
- Science fiction often explores themes of genetics and DNA, with adenine being a fundamental player in such stories.
- Works on biochemistry and molecular biology frequently reference adenine to explain complex genetic concepts.
Origin of 'adenine'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'adenine' comes from the word 'adenosine', which is a combination of adenine and ribose.
- It was first isolated in 1886 from yeast, showing early scientistsโ interest in how life works.
- The suffix '-ine' is commonly used in chemistry for substances derived from or related to larger compounds.
The term 'adenine' originates from the Greek word 'adenos', meaning 'gland', as it was first discovered in the pancreas of animals. It was identified in the late 19th century by the German chemist Friedrich Miescher, who isolated it from nucleic acids. Its chemical structure was elucidated by various researchers over the years, finally leading to its current understanding as one of the fundamental components of DNA and RNA. Adenine's role in cellular processes was further recognized in the 20th century, particularly with the discovery of ATP and its importance in energy transfer. Since then, adenine has become a critical focus in molecular biology and genetics, reflecting its central role in life processes.