Nitrogenous Bases in DNA and RNA
There are two categories of nitrogenous bases that serve as essential components of nucleotides; these include
- Pyrimidine
- Purine
Pyrimidines
The structure of a pyrimidine is constituted by a six-membered ring made up of carbon and nitrogen atoms. This ring is constituted by four carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms in its structure. In nucleotides, the primary types of pyrimidines that exist include cytosine, thymine in DNA. Pyrimidines are essential for encoding genetic information and play a crucial role in protein synthesis; during transcription, they provide the template for mRNA formation.
In RNA, uracil is present in case of thymine, that pairs with adenine with two hydrogen bonds. The base pairing is responsible for the stability of these genetic molecules.
Purines
Purine is constituted by a double-ring system i.e. a pyrimidine ring is fused with an imidazole ring. The pyrimidine ring is a six-membered carbon-nitrogen ring with alternating atoms of carbon and nitrogen, while the imidazole ring contains three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, forming a five-membered ring structure.
In nucleotides, the primary types of purines that exist include adenine and guanine. These are found in both RNA and DNA. Apart from transmitting genetic information, purines function as signaling molecules in processes including neurotransmission, and immune response.
Also Read: Difference Between Purines And Pyrimidines
Nitrogenous Bases
Nitrogenous bases are molecules that act as the building blocks of genetic information in DNA and RNA. Although there are many nitrogenous bases, the five most important ones include adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. Nitrogenous bases, also known as nucleobases, are molecules that contain nitrogen atoms and are crucial for the transmission of genetic information in living organisms.
In this article, we will learn what nitrogenous bases are, what nitrogenous bases are present in DNA and RNA, their structure in DNA and RNA, their importance in molecular biology, and factors affecting nitrogenous base pairing.
Table of Content
- What are Nitrogenous Bases?
- Nitrogenous Bases in DNA and RNA
- Structure of Nitrogenous Bases
- Importance in Molecular Biology
- Factors affecting Nitrogenous Base Pairing
- Conclusion: Nitrogenous Bases
Contact Us