purines

Purines are a type of chemical compound found in all living cells, forming essential parts of DNA and RNA, which carry genetic information. They have a specific structure made of fused rings, including adenine and guanine, two of the four main building blocks of DNA and RNA. When cells break down purines, they produce waste products like uric acid. Proper regulation of purine levels is important for health; excess can lead to conditions such as gout. In summary, purines are fundamental to genetics and cellular function, playing a critical role in storing and transmitting biological information.