Pronunciation: [ˈadənˌiːnz] (IPA) 
Adenines is spelled as /əˈdɛnɪnz/. The word "adenines" refers to a type of nucleobase, which is one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA molecules. The spelling of the word is determined by the sounds of each letter in the word. The /ə/ sound comes from the unstressed syllable, followed by the long /ɛ/ sound in the stressed syllable. The plural form is indicated by the ending /-nz/, which is pronounced as a voiced /z/ sound.
Adenines refer to the class of organic compounds belonging to the purine family, specifically a derivative of purine called 9H-purin-6-amine. Chemically, adenine is a purine base, denoted by the symbol A, and is one of the four nucleobases found in DNA and RNA molecules. It is an essential building block for the genetic material within living organisms.
Adenines play a crucial role in the structure and function of DNA, as they highly influence the nucleic acid's stability and bonding. In DNA, adenine pairs specifically with thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds, while in RNA, it pairs with uracil (U) due to the absence of thymine. This base pairing is vital for the replication and transcription processes, which are fundamental to the storage and transfer of genetic information.
Furthermore, adenine is not limited to its role in genetic material; it also participates in various biochemical processes. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of important molecules such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which are involved in energy metabolism and cellular signaling pathways.
Adenines can be naturally found in various organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants and animals, and their presence is crucial for the proper functioning and survival of these organisms. The understanding of adenines and their interactions with other molecules is significant in the fields of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, providing insights into the fundamental processes of life.
The word "adenines" is derived from the term "adenine", which comes from the Greek word "aden" meaning "gland" or "organs". Adenine is a nucleobase, one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA, which was first isolated from the pancreas in 1885 by Swiss biochemist Albrecht Kossel. The name "adenine" was given to this compound because it was initially believed to be a component of the adenoids, a lymphatic tissue in the back of the throat. However, further research revealed that adenine is present in a variety of tissues and is not exclusive to the adenoids. Thus, the term "adenines" refers to the plural form of adenine, indicating multiple molecules of this nucleobase.
