nukleobasene

Nukleobasene, also known as nitrogenous bases, are organic molecules that are essential components of nucleic acids, namely deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). These molecules play a crucial role in the genetic code of all living organisms. There are five primary types of nukleobasene: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). This specific base pairing is fundamental to the double-helix structure of DNA and is responsible for accurately replicating genetic information during cell division. In RNA, uracil replaces thymine, so adenine pairs with uracil (A-U) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). This substitution is important for RNA's various roles in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

Nukleobasene are heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds, meaning they contain rings of atoms with at least one atom that is not carbon, and exhibit aromaticity. Adenine and guanine are classified as purines, which have a double-ring structure. Cytosine, thymine, and uracil are pyrimidines, characterized by a single-ring structure. The sequence of these nukleobasene along a DNA or RNA strand constitutes the genetic code, dictating the production of proteins and other vital cellular functions. Mutations, or changes in this sequence, can lead to variations in traits or diseases.