rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryadenineGenetic molecule component
noun

adenine

AD-uh-neen/ˈædəniːn/

a purine base found in DNA, RNA, and ATP

The structural drawing shows adenine with its two fused chemical rings.

A single large, chemically accurate structural depiction of adenine: its fused six- and five-membered purine rings, four ring nitrogens, and amino group at carbon 6.
Etymology
adenGreekgland
+ineFrenchderived substance

The gland root records the substance’s source: adenine was derived from an ox’s pancreas. Its name therefore points to where it was obtained, rather than to its role in DNA and RNA.

In context

Wendy Riggs3:31
our nitrogen bases could be adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil.
DNA 3- Nucleic acids

More examples

  • The student labels adenine as one of RNA's four bases.
  • ATP contains an adenine component.
  • The model uses a different color for each adenine unit.