!!! Overview [{$pagename}] are organic molecules that serve as the monomer units for forming the nucleic acid polymers [Deoxyribonucleic Acid] ([DNA]) and [Ribonucleic Acid] ([RNA]), both of which are essential biomolecules within all life-forms on Earth. [{$pagename}] are the building blocks of nucleic acids; they are composed of three subunit molecules: * a nitrogenous base (also known as nucleobase or ACGT) ** adenine (A) ** thymine (T) ** guanine (G) ** uracil (U) ** cytosine (C). * a five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose) * at least one phosphate group. The nitrogenous bases form hydrogen bonds between opposing [DNA] strands to form the rungs of the "twisted ladder" or double helix of [DNA] or a biological catalyst that is found in the [{$pagename}]s. [{$pagename}] base pairs: * Adenine (A) is always paired with thymine (T) * Guanine (G) is always paired with cytosine (C). Adenine (A) forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine in [DNA] and two hydrogen bonds with uracil in [RNA], while three hydrogen bonds are formed between guanine and cytosine. There are a variety of other non-canonical base pairs that occur in nature due to the versatility of these molecular structures. Uracil is only present in [RNA], replacing thymine. Pyrimidines include thymine, cytosine, and uracil. They have a single ring structure. Purines include adenine and guanine. They have a double ring structure. !! More Information There might be more information for this subject on one of the following: [{ReferringPagesPlugin before='*' after='\n' }] ---- * [#1] - [Nucleotide|Wikipedia:Nucleotide|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2019-09-01