Cytosine facts for kids
| Cytosine | |
|---|---|
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| IUPAC name | 4-amino-3H-pyrimidin-2-one |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| MeSH | |
| SMILES | C1=C(NC(=O)N=C1)N |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Melting point | |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Cytosine is a very important chemical building block found in all living things. It is one of the five main nucleobases. These nucleobases are like letters in a secret code that stores and carries genetic information inside every cell.
Cytosine is a key part of nucleic acids, which are molecules like DNA and RNA. These molecules hold all the instructions for how an organism grows and works.
Contents
What is Cytosine?
Cytosine is a special type of molecule called a nucleobase. Think of nucleobases as the basic units that make up the long chains of DNA and RNA. There are five main nucleobases:
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T) (found in DNA)
- Uracil (U) (found in RNA instead of Thymine)
These nucleobases link together in specific ways to form the genetic code.
Cytosine in DNA and RNA
In both DNA and RNA, cytosine always pairs up with another nucleobase called guanine. This pairing is very specific: C always goes with G. This is like a lock and key system, making sure the genetic code is copied correctly.
- In DNA, cytosine helps form the famous double helix structure.
- In RNA, cytosine also plays a role in carrying genetic messages and building proteins.
Why is Cytosine Important?
Cytosine is crucial because it helps store and pass on genetic information from one generation to the next. Without it, our bodies wouldn't have the instructions they need to grow, repair themselves, or even think!
Cytosine and Its Stability
While cytosine is vital, it can sometimes change. It is a bit unstable and can naturally turn into another nucleobase called uracil. This process is called spontaneous deamination.
What Happens When Cytosine Changes?
If cytosine changes into uracil in DNA, it can cause a mistake in the genetic code. This mistake is called a point mutation. Imagine if one letter in a very important instruction manual suddenly changed. It could lead to wrong information!
How Cells Fix Mistakes
Luckily, our cells have amazing repair teams! There are special enzymes that act like tiny repair workers. One such enzyme is called uracil glycosylase. Its job is to find any uracil molecules that shouldn't be in DNA and remove them. This helps keep our genetic code accurate and prevents harmful mutations.
See also
In Spanish: Citosina para niños
