Definition

A type of chemical compound that is a building block of DNA and RNA, important for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Example

Guanine pairs with cytosine in the structure of DNA.

Conversation

I was reading about DNA, and I learned that guanine is one of the bases.

That's interesting! I didn't know that it played such a big role in genetics.

Yeah, and it pairs with cytosine in the DNA structure.

Exactly! It's fascinating how these molecules work together.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Guanine is derived from the Spanish word 'guanina', which comes from 'guano' (meaning fertilizer, specifically bird droppings) and the suffix '-ine' (used in chemistry to denote substances). The word guanine refers to a compound found in guano and is one of the four main nucleobases in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.

Memory Tip

Think of 'guano', which is a fertilizer made from bird droppings, to remember that guanine is a substance derived from it and is essential in the structure of DNA and RNA.

Visually Confused Words