Guanine
Definition
Guanine is one of the four main nucleobases found in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It pairs with cytosine.
Analogy
Think of guanine as a lock in a door. The key that fits perfectly into this lock is cytosine. Without the right key, the door won't open, just like how guanine can only pair with cytosine to form a stable DNA structure.
Related terms
Adenine: This is another nucleobase found in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
Nucleotide: This is the basic building block of DNA and RNA consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (like guanine).
Base Pairing: This refers to the phenomenon where specific nitrogenous bases (like guanine and cytosine) bind together to form the structure of DNA or RNA.
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