What is the difference between purines and pyrimidines?

[NatePerrie]

I'm learning about DNA and RNA structures, but I'm a bit confused about purines and pyrimidines. Can someone explain how they differ in structure and function?

 

[DeeReich70]

Purines and pyrimidines are two types of nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

• Purines have a double-ring structure and include adenine (A) and guanine (G).
• Pyrimidines have a single-ring structure and include cytosine (C), thymine (T) (in DNA), and uracil (U) (in RNA).

In short, purines are larger, double-ring bases, while pyrimidines are smaller, single-ring bases.

 

[peterkavinsky]

Purines and pyrimidines are nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. Purines (adenine and guanine) have a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) have a single-ring structure.

 

[royjasika]

Purines and pyrimidines are nitrogenous bases that form DNA and RNA. Purines (adenine and guanine) have a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) have a single-ring structure. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine. Their structural difference maintains the uniform shape of the DNA double helix.

 

[Robert Willian]

Purines are larger while pyrimidines are smaller. A purine contains four nitrogen atoms and a pyrimidine contains two nitrogen atoms. The primary distinction between purine and pyrimidine is their architecture. Their size structure difference is the reason for bonding between them.