Kvælstofbaser

Kvælstofbaser, also known as nitrogenous bases, are organic molecules containing nitrogen atoms and having basic properties. They are fundamental components of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, which carry genetic information in all living organisms. The two primary classes of nitrogenous bases are purines and pyrimidines.

Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure and include adenine (A) and guanine (G). Pyrimidines have a single-ring structure and include cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U). In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T), and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). In RNA, uracil replaces thymine, so adenine pairs with uracil (A-U), and guanine still pairs with cytosine (G-C). These specific base pairings are crucial for the accurate replication and transcription of genetic material.

Beyond their role in nucleic acids, nitrogenous bases and their derivatives are involved in various biological processes. For instance, they are components of energy-carrying molecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and guanosine triphosphate (GTP). They also play roles in cell signaling and as coenzymes. The study of nitrogenous bases is central to molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms of life.