adénine

Adénine is a fundamental molecule in biochemistry, playing a crucial role in life as we know it. It is one of the five principal nucleobases found in nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, and is also a component of ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. Adénine is a purine derivative, meaning its molecular structure consists of a fused pyrimidine and imidazole ring. In DNA, adénine always pairs with thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, forming one half of the double helix structure. In RNA, adénine pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine. Beyond its role in genetic material, adénine is also a constituent of several important coenzymes, including NAD and FAD, which are essential for metabolic processes. Its presence in ATP allows for the storage and release of energy through the breaking and forming of phosphate bonds. The biological importance of adénine is underscored by its universal presence across all known forms of life.