A class of nitrogenous compounds containing two fused heterocyclic rings. Two purines, adenine and guanine, commonly are found in DNA and RNA. ( Figure 4-2)
Purines are a group of related chemicals that are major components of DNA, RNA and several other important biomolecules. When Purines are metabolized in the human body - either by being eaten or through the death of our cells - the Purines are converted into Uric Acid. Some foods are higher in Purines than others, and these are the foods which Gout patients have historically been instructed to avoid (e.g.: shellfish, pork, etc.).
One of two families of nitrogenous bases found in nucleotides. Two members are adenine and guanine.
nitrogen-containing compounds, found mostly in nucleic acids - DNA and RNA. The body breaks purines down to uric acid.
substances produced by the breakdown of foods and naturally contained within human cells; uric acid is a type of purine Return to previous page
components of certain foods that metabolize into uric acid in the body.
