Adenine

/ˈædənɪn/ noun

Definition

One of the four nitrogenous bases that make up DNA and RNA, containing information that determines your traits and how your body functions.

Etymology

From Greek 'aden' (gland) because it was first discovered in gland tissue + '-ine' (chemical suffix). Named in the 1870s when biochemists didn't yet realize how fundamental it was.

Kelly Says

Adenine always pairs with thymine in DNA through a beautiful two-pronged hydrogen bond connection—this faithful pairing across billions of years is why life can copy itself accurately!

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