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Thymine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thymine

[หˆฮธaษชmaษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry, genetics

Thymine is one of the four nucleobases in the nucleic acids DNA. It is classified as a pyrimidine base and is paired with adenine in the structure of DNA. Thymine is crucial for the storage of genetic information and plays a significant role in DNA replication and repair. It is represented by the letter 'T' in the genetic code. Thymine can also be involved in certain metabolic processes within cells.

Synonyms

5-methyluracil, deoxythymidine, thymidin.

Examples of usage

  • Thymine pairs with adenine in DNA.
  • The presence of thymine is essential for proper DNA functioning.
  • Mutations often occur if thymine is substituted incorrectly.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Thymine is one of four main bases that make up DNA, which includes adenine, cytosine, and guanine.
  • In DNA, thymine pairs with adenine, helping form the rungs of the DNA ladderโ€”think of it like best friends holding hands!

Genetics

  • Mutations in thymine can cause errors in DNA replication, leading to changes in how living things grow and function.
  • Some viruses and cancer cells can exploit thymine to replicate themselves, showing how important this base is to life.

Health and Medicine

  • Thymine is involved in key processes in the body, including cell division and the production of DNA.
  • Research shows that certain deficiencies in thymine may lead to health issues, such as Beriberi, a disease caused by lack of vitamin B1.

Technology

  • Thymine plays an essential role in biotechnological applications such as gene therapy, which can help treat various diseases.
  • Advancements in synthetic biology are exploring ways to manipulate thymine for improved genetic engineering, leading to new treatments.

Origin of 'thymine'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'thymine' comes from the word 'thymus,' which is a gland in the immune system where this compound was first isolated.
  • It was first identified in 1893 by chemist Karl Friedrich August Bรคnting, marking a key discovery in understanding genetic material.

The term thymine is derived from the Greek word 'thumos,' which means 'soul' or 'spirit.' It was first isolated from the thymus gland in the early 19th century, hence its name. The base was identified as a component of the DNA molecule in the 1940s, contributing significantly to biochemical and genetic research. As one of the essential nucleobases, thymine plays a vital role in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. Over the years, the understanding of its role in molecular biology has grown, leading to advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Its discovery paved the way for a multitude of scientific breakthroughs, including the development of DNA sequencing techniques.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,835, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.