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Purine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purine

[หˆpjสŠษ™riหn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry compound

Purines are a type of organic compound that serve as essential building blocks for nucleotides, which are the basic units of DNA and RNA. They are characterized by a bicyclic structure that comprises a fused imidazole and pyrimidine ring. In addition to their role in genetic material, purines also play critical roles in energy transfer, through molecules like ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Common purines include adenine and guanine.

Synonyms

nucleobase, nucleotide base.

Examples of usage

  • Adenine and guanine are the two primary purines found in DNA.
  • Purines are vital for cellular metabolism and energy transfer.
  • Excess purines can lead to the formation of uric acid and conditions like gout.

Translations

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Origin of 'purine'

The term 'purine' was first coined in the early 20th century, derived from the German word 'Pur' from 'Purinsรคure', meaning 'pure acid'. This was due to the isolation of these compounds from urine, where they were first identified as components of biological fluids. Purines were noted for their role in various biological processes, especially in association with nucleic acids. The research on purines expanded significantly after the discovery of their role in the composition of nucleotides and their significance to heredity and cellular function. Understanding purines has been instrumental in many biological and medical fields, particularly in genetics and cellular metabolism.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,298, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.