Difference Between Adenine and Guanine

Adenine vs Guanine

Our body is made up of different systems and each system is composed of organs. Our organs are made up of numerous and microscopic cells in different shapes and sizes. The previous statements are usually the most common concepts that we know about when talking about how our body is broken down into smaller parts. In most cases, we usually end with the cells as the last part. This is actually just right since the cells are considered as the smallest part of our body.

Still, some would go beyond and into our cells. Our cells have many distinct parts that have simple functions for the cell’s survival. These parts help the cell process nutrients and minerals, reproduce, and function. Moreover, in the nucleus, is the basic information wherein all our genetic data arestored. In here, our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is contained and developed. Along with other components, such as RNA (ribonucleic acid), our DNA is considered as the one that gives us our own identity as human beings.

Our DNA contains the ‘blueprints’ or genetic information for our cells to function and reproduce. But then again, some would ask what composes our DNA? Since our DNA is vital for our own normal functioning and growth, it is therefore important that we know a little about what it is made up of. Thus, we go further into its composition and break DNA down into 4 compounds, namely, adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.

Among the 4, adenine and guanine are made up of purine-derivatives. Purines are characterized by their double-ring structure in their chemical formulas. Thus, we now discuss the difference between these two.

Let us first talk about adenine. Adenine is a nucleobase that comes from purines. It is an organic compound that is present in DNA and RNA, and is mostly responsible for cellular respiration. Along with guanine, it is involved in the formation of nucleotides into nucleic acids. Furthermore, adenine has a chemical formula of C5-H5-N5 (5carbons-5hydrogens-5nitrogens). Also, adenine binds with other nucleotides to form energy, which is important for cellular function.

On the other hand, guanine is also a purine-derivative. Its difference from adenine lies in its chemical formula, C5-H5-N5-O (5carbons-5hydrogens-5nitrogens-1oxygen). Still, it is an important component in the formation of nucleic acids for DNA and RNA. When bonded with other compounds, guanine is responsible for intracellular signaling networks, which is important for communication within the cell.

If you want to know more about this topic, you can read further since only basic details are provided here.

Summary:

1. Our DNA and RNA are made up of nucleotides, in which adenine and guanine are purine-based.

2. Adenine, with a chemical formula of C5H5N5, is responsible for cellular respiration.

3. Guanine, with a chemical formula of C5H5N5O, has a role in intracellular signaling networks.

Sharing is caring!