pyrimidines

Pyrimidines are one of the two types of building blocks (called bases) that make up DNA and RNA, which are molecules that store and carry genetic information. The main pyrimidines are cytosine, thymine (found only in DNA), and uracil (found only in RNA). They are characterized by their simple, single-ring structure. Pyrimidines pair with another type called purines (adenine and guanine) through specific bonds, forming the rungs of the DNA ladder. This pairing is essential for the accurate copying and functioning of genetic material.