Uracil

Definition

Uracil is a nitrogenous base found in RNA, replacing thymine which is found in DNA. It pairs with adenine during the formation of RNA strands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Uracil is only found in RNA and not in DNA.
2. It forms two hydrogen bonds with adenine during RNA synthesis.
3. Uracil is a pyrimidine, similar to cytosine and thymine.
4. The presence of uracil instead of thymine helps distinguish RNA from DNA in cells.
5. Uracil can be converted into other molecules such as cytosine through a process called deamination.

Review Questions

• What base does uracil pair with in RNA?
• Why is uracil not found in DNA?
• What type of nitrogenous base is uracil classified as?

Related terms

RNA:

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule essential for various biological roles including coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Adenine:

A nitrogenous base that pairs with uracil in RNA and thymine in DNA.

Pyrimidines: A category of nitrogenous bases that includes cytosine, thymine, and uracil.