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🦠microbiology review

Adenine

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Adenine is one of the four nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA, pairing with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. It plays a crucial role in encoding genetic information.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds in DNA.
  2. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.
  3. Adenine is a purine base, which means it has a double-ring structure.
  4. It is essential for the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a key energy carrier in cells.
  5. Mutations involving adenine can lead to genetic disorders or diseases.

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