Pyrimidine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pyrimidine |
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| IUPAC name | Pyrimidine |
| Other names | 1,3-Diazine, m-Diazine |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Pyrimidines are important chemical building blocks. They are a type of organic compound. You can find pyrimidines in many places in nature. They are a key part of DNA and RNA. These are the molecules that carry genetic information in all living things.
A pyrimidine is a special kind of ring-shaped molecule. It has a ring made of carbon and nitrogen atoms. The nitrogen atoms are at positions 1 and 3 in the ring. This structure makes pyrimidines very stable.
Contents
What Are Pyrimidines?
The pyrimidine ring is a common structure in nature. It forms the core of several important molecules. These molecules are called "bases" in DNA and RNA. They help store and read genetic codes.
Key Pyrimidines in Life
Three main pyrimidines are vital for life:
- Cytosine (C): This base is found in both DNA and RNA.
- Thymine (T): This base is found only in DNA.
- Uracil (U): This base is found only in RNA. It takes the place of Thymine in RNA.
These three bases pair up with other bases to form the famous double helix of DNA. They also help RNA carry out its many jobs in cells.
Other Important Pyrimidines
Pyrimidines are also part of other important substances. For example, Thiamine is a pyrimidine. Thiamine is also known as vitamin B1. This vitamin is very important for your body's energy. It helps your cells use food for fuel.
Images for kids
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This drawing from 1885 shows the structure of pyrimidine.
See also
In Spanish: Pirimidina para niños
