Which term describes a nitrogenous base with a single ring?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a nitrogenous base with a single ring?

Explanation:
The key idea is that the number of rings in a nitrogenous base defines its class: bases with a single ring are pyrimidines, while those with two fused rings are purines. So a nitrogenous base with one ring is called a pyrimidine. Examples include cytosine, thymine, and uracil. This distinguishes the base itself from structures like nucleosides or nucleotides, which refer to the base bound to sugar (and possibly phosphate) rather than the ring count of the base.

The key idea is that the number of rings in a nitrogenous base defines its class: bases with a single ring are pyrimidines, while those with two fused rings are purines. So a nitrogenous base with one ring is called a pyrimidine. Examples include cytosine, thymine, and uracil. This distinguishes the base itself from structures like nucleosides or nucleotides, which refer to the base bound to sugar (and possibly phosphate) rather than the ring count of the base.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy