Kvælstofbaserne

Kvælstofbaserne, 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. In DNA, the four nitrogenous bases are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). In RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine. These bases pair up specifically: adenine always pairs with thymine (or uracil in RNA), and guanine always pairs with cytosine. This complementary base pairing is crucial for DNA replication and transcription.

There are two main types of nitrogenous bases: purines and pyrimidines. Purines have a double-ring structure and include adenine and guanine. Pyrimidines have a single-ring structure and include cytosine, thymine, and uracil. The sequence of these bases along the DNA or RNA molecule determines the genetic code, dictating the order of amino acids in proteins. Beyond their role in nucleic acids, nitrogenous bases are also found in other biologically important molecules like ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell, and in various coenzymes. Understanding the structure and function of nitrogenous bases is essential for comprehending genetics, molecular biology, and the processes of life.