Guanine (G)
Definition
Guanine is one of the four nucleobases in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It pairs with cytosine (C) through three hydrogen bonds.
Analogy
Think of guanine as a lock, and cytosine as its key. Just like how a specific key fits into a specific lock, guanine only pairs up with cytosine in DNA and RNA structures.
Related terms
Adenine (A): This is another nucleobase found in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine in DNA or uracil in RNA.
Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. A nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule attached to a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base (like guanine).
Base Pairing: The process by which nitrogenous bases form hydrogen bonds during the formation of molecules like DNA or RNA. For example, guanine forms three hydrogen bonds with cytosine.
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