THYMINIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Thyminic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of nucleic acids known as pyrimidine derivatives. It was first identified and isolated from the nucleic acid, thymine, which is an essential component of DNA.
Thyminic acid is a derivative of thymine, and its molecular formula is C5H6N2O4. It is characterized by the presence of a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and various functional groups attached to the pyrimidine ring.
In the context of biochemistry, thyminic acid plays a crucial role as one of the four building blocks, called nucleotides, that make up the genetic code in DNA molecules. It is specifically associated with the nucleotide thymidine, where it forms the acidic component of its structure.
Thyminic acid is involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information, as it pairs with another nucleotide called adenine during DNA replication and transcription processes. This base pairing mechanism forms the fundamental double-stranded structure of DNA.
Understanding the chemical and structural properties of thyminic acid is essential for comprehending DNA composition and function, and it plays a vital role in various fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and medicine. Researchers continue to explore and study the characteristics of thyminic acid to uncover its importance in various biological processes.
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Nucleolin-phosphoric acid; said to be a solvent of uric acid and to prevent its deposition in the tissues, and recommended therefore in the treatment of gout in doses of 5-10 gr. (0.3-0.6).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYMINIC ACID
Etymology of THYMINIC ACID
The etymology of the word "thyminic acid" can be broken down as follows:
1. Thyminic: This term is derived from the word "thymine", which is one of the four nucleotide bases present in DNA (along with adenine, guanine, and cytosine). Thymine itself comes from the Greek word "thymos" meaning "thyme", as certain compounds extracted from thyme were initially used to form the base.
2. Acid: This term originates from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". The word "acid" is used to describe a class of chemical compounds that typically exhibit a sour taste and can also react with bases to form salts.
Combining these elements, the word "thyminic acid" refers to an acidic compound that is directly related to or derived from thymine, one of the bases in DNA.
