How Do You Spell CYTOSINE?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪtəsˌa͡ɪn] (IPA)

Cytosine is a nucleotide, one of the foundational building blocks of DNA. It's spelled with a 'y' because in this combination of letters, the 'y' sound is pronounced [aɪ], as in the word 'fly'. The 'o' in 'cytosine', pronounced [ɒ], contributes to the second syllable. The final 'e' is silent. The IPA phonetic transcription of 'cytosine' is /saɪtəsiːn/. Despite its complex spelling, knowing how to correctly pronounce this chemical compound is crucial in the study of genetics and molecular biology.

CYTOSINE Meaning and Definition

  1. Cytosine is an organic compound and one of the four nucleobases that make up the building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is chemically classified as a pyrimidine, meaning it consists of a six-membered carbon and nitrogen ring.

    In DNA, cytosine pairs with guanine through hydrogen bonding, forming a specific base pair that contributes to the double helix structure. The arrangement of these base pairs acts as a genetic code, carrying instructions for the synthesis of proteins and the transmission of hereditary information.

    Cytosine is also present in RNA, where it plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by helping to decode the genetic information stored in DNA. It pairs with guanine in RNA as well through the process of base pairing.

    Apart from its importance in nucleic acids, cytosine is also involved in other biological processes. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of several essential biomolecules, including amino acids and certain vitamins. Moreover, cytosine can be methylated, a process that can impact gene expression and regulate cellular functions.

    In conclusion, cytosine is a fundamental component of DNA and RNA, participating in the transmission and interpretation of genetic information. Its various functions extend beyond genetic coding, making it a vital molecule in biological systems.

  2. A pyrimidine base obtained by the cleavage of certain complex nucleic acids.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CYTOSINE

Etymology of CYTOSINE

The word "cytosine" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kýtos" meaning "cell" and "sine" meaning "uracil", which is a similar nucleotide base found in RNA. Thus, "cytosine" essentially means "uracil in the cell". The name "cytosine" was coined by a group of scientists consisting of Albrecht Kossel, Albert Neumann, and Friedrich Kutscher in 1894 when they discovered the compound.

Similar spelling words for CYTOSINE

Plural form of CYTOSINE is CYTOSINES

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