Cytosine
Definition
Cytosine is one of the four main bases found in DNA and RNA. It pairs with guanine.
Analogy
If we continue our analogy from before, think of cytosine as the perfect key for our 'guanine' lock. Only this specific key can unlock it, ensuring stability within our genetic code.
Related terms
Thymine: A nucleobase that pairs with adenine in DNA but gets replaced by uracil when transcribing into RNA.
Pyrimidine: The category of nitrogenous bases that includes cytosine along with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA).
Complementary Base Pairing Rule: The rule stating that certain nitrogenous bases are always paired together - such as cytosines always pairing up with guanines.
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