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Purines are a class of organic compounds that are essential components of all living organisms. They are heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds consisting of a pyrimidine ring fused to an imidazole ring. The two most important purines in biology are adenine and guanine, which are two of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA. Adenine pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA, while guanine pairs with cytosine in both.

In addition to their role in genetic material, purines are involved in a variety of other biological processes. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy currency of the cell and is synthesized from adenine. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important second messenger in cellular signaling pathways. Guanine derivatives are also crucial for various cellular functions, including energy metabolism and signal transduction.

The metabolism of purines is tightly regulated. They can be synthesized de novo from simpler precursors or recycled from the breakdown of nucleic acids. Disorders in purine metabolism can lead to various health conditions. For example, the accumulation of uric acid, a breakdown product of purines, can cause gout, a painful inflammatory condition characterized by the deposition of urate crystals in joints. Certain medications, such as allopurinol, are used to treat hyperuricemia by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is involved in uric acid production.