uracilem

Uracilem is a pyrimidine derivative and one of the four nucleobases in RNA. It is also found in DNA, but only in the form of its methylated derivative, thymine. Uracilem is synthesized in the body from aspartate and carbamoyl phosphate. In RNA, uracilem pairs with adenine, forming a hydrogen bond between the two molecules. This pairing is crucial for the proper structure and function of RNA, including its role in protein synthesis and gene regulation. Uracilem's chemical formula is C4H4N2O2. It exists as a white crystalline solid and is soluble in hot water. The presence of uracilem in RNA distinguishes it from DNA, which contains thymine instead. This difference has significant implications for the stability and function of these two nucleic acids. While uracilem is a fundamental component of genetic material, it can also be involved in metabolic pathways and has been investigated for potential therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment due to its role in nucleotide metabolism.