Uracil

Description

Uracil is a pyrimidine base that plays a fundamental role in RNA. It pairs with adenine through hydrogen bonds. The conversion of uracil to its nucleoside form, uridine, occurs with the addition of a ribose group. Further, uridine is transformed into uridine monophosphate, a nucleotide, by the attachment of a phosphate group.

Chemical properties

Crystalline needles. Soluble in hot water, ammonium hydroxide, and other alkalies; insoluble in alcohol and ether.

The Uses of Uracil

Uracil (Lamivudine EP Impurity F) is a nitrogenous base on RNA nucleosides.

The Uses of Uracil

In biochemical research.

What are the applications of Application

Uracil is a pyrimidine derivative

Definition

Uracil is a pyrimidine nucleobase characterized by the presence of two oxo groups at the 2nd and 4th positions on its pyrimidine ring. It is a common and naturally occurring compound that plays a significant role in RNA, where it base pairs with adenine. During DNA transcription, uracil replaces thymine, serving as a nitrogenous base in RNA with a pyrimidine ring structure.

Uracil is also a key component of nucleotides and contributes to the structure of the nucleic acid RNA. As a pyrimidine derivative, it is one of the major base components of RNA.

General Description

Uracil is a nucleotide base that is integral to RNA. It serves as the precursor to thymine, which is found in DNA. In the human body, when nucleotides are produced, uracil is incorporated into a ribonucleoside triphosphate. This process involves uracil being linked with a ribose sugar and three phosphate groups, acting as a carrier of genetic information.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Purification Methods

Uracil crystallises from water (m 339-341o) and m 338o after sublimation in high vacuum. Its solubility in H2O at 20o is 1g/300mL. [Beilstein 24 H 312, 24 I 312, 24 II 169, 24 III/IV 1193.]