Entity: PURINE
Purine is a crystalline base that serves as the parent compound for various biologically significant substances, including uric acid, xanthine, and caffeine. It is a nitrogenous base found in nucleic acids and certain coenzymes.
PURINE
Etymology
The term 'purine' originates from the German word 'Purin', which was derived from the Latin 'purum' meaning 'pure'.
Definition
Purine is a crystalline base with the chemical formula C5H4N4. It is the parent compound for various biologically important substances such as uric acid, xanthine, and caffeine. Purine is a fundamental nitrogenous base found in nucleic acids and certain coenzymes.
Historical Context
Purines have been extensively studied since the 19th century, with their role in biological processes becoming increasingly understood over time. The discovery of purine derivatives like adenine and guanine has been pivotal in advancing molecular biology.
Cultural Significance
Purine compounds play a crucial role in various cultural aspects, including the consumption of caffeine-rich beverages and the understanding of genetic inheritance through nucleic acids.
Related Concepts
Purine is closely related to pyrimidine, another type of nitrogenous base found in nucleic acids. Together, purines and pyrimidines form the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
See Also
- Uric Acid
- Xanthine
- Adenine
- Guanine
A fundamental nitrogenous base that is the precursor to important biological compounds such as uric acid, xanthine, and caffeine.