Uracil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฌ
uracil
[หjสษrษหsษชl ]
Definition
biochemistry, genetics
Uracil is one of the four nucleobases in the nucleic acid of RNA, alongside adenine, cytosine, and guanine. It is a pyrimidine base, distinguished by the presence of a single nitrogen atom in its ring structure. Uracil pairs with adenine during RNA transcription, replacing thymine which is found in DNA. Its presence is crucial for the synthesis of RNA and plays a key role in various biochemical processes.
Examples of usage
- The RNA molecule contains uracil instead of thymine.
- Uracil is essential for RNA synthesis.
- Mutations can occur if uracil is misincorporated into DNA.
- Uracil's structure allows it to easily pair with adenine.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biochemistry
- Uracil pairs with adenine in RNA, unlike thymine in DNA, demonstrating its unique role in genetic coding.
- It's categorized as a pyrimidine, which means it has a single-ring structure that is distinct in the nucleic acids.
- In the human body, uracil is synthesized from another compound called orotate or can be obtained through diet.
Medicine
- Uracil is being studied for its potential role in cancer treatments, as it can affect the way cancer cells reproduce.
- Some medications mimic uracil to interfere with cancer cell growth by disrupting RNA synthesis.
- Research has shown that altering uracil levels can impact the bodyโs response to certain therapies.
Pop Culture
- In molecular biology and genetics, uracil is often represented by the letter 'U' in diagrams and sequences, making it a star in the scientific community.
- A popular childrenโs show character was named 'U-Ra-Cil' as a playful reference to this important molecule in genetics, sparking curiosity about science.
- Uracil has inspired a song in a niche genre relating to chemistry, highlighting its role in the fundamental processes of life.
Literature
- Notable scientific literature often uses uracil in examples of RNA synthesis, demonstrating how life translates genetic information.
- A recent novel about a scientist's journey includes uracil as a pivotal element when discussing the secrets of DNA.
- Poets have metaphorically referred to genetic components like uracil, comparing the elegance of lifeโs building blocks to art.
Origin of 'uracil'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'uracil' comes from 'uracil,' which indicates its structure related to uric acid.
- The prefix 'ura-' refers to its connection with DNA and RNA, while '-cil' suggests its small size.
- First identified in 1905, it was named by chemist Kurt Heinrich Wolff.
The term 'uracil' was first introduced in the early 20th century, derived from the combination of 'ur-' (a prefix referring to urine) and '-acil' (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote certain kinds of compounds). Uracil was initially discovered as a constituent of uric acid, which is a waste product formed in the body and excreted in urine. Over the years, its significance in understanding the composition of nucleic acids emerged, leading to a more detailed study of nucleotides and their roles in genetic processes. The understanding of uracil and its functions paved the way for advances in molecular biology, revealing the intricate workings of RNA and its pivotal role in cellular processes.