What is Uracil Nitrogenous Base & Its Role in DNA Transcription?

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SUMMARY

Uracil can function in DNA but poses a significant risk during transcription due to its potential to be confused with deaminated cytosine. DNA and RNA polymerases can read DNA containing uracil; however, the presence of uracil complicates the identification of deaminated cytosines, leading to potential mutations. To mitigate this risk, thymine is utilized in DNA, allowing cells to recognize uracil as a marker for deaminated cytosines, which can then be repaired by specific enzymes. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining genetic integrity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Molecular biology fundamentals
  • Understanding of DNA and RNA structure
  • Knowledge of DNA repair mechanisms
  • Familiarity with transcription processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of thymine in DNA stability
  • Study the process of deamination and its effects on DNA
  • Learn about DNA repair enzymes and their functions
  • Explore the differences between DNA and RNA polymerases
USEFUL FOR

Molecular biologists, geneticists, and students studying DNA transcription and repair mechanisms will benefit from this discussion.

charliemagne
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What is in DNA why can it not read the uracil nitrogenous base during transcription? May I have answer in the molecular level?
 
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Uracil can function perfectly fine in DNA. DNA containing uracil can be read by DNA and RNA polymerases. The problem is that a common type of DNA damage, deamination, converts cytosine to uracil. Therefore, if uracil were used as a base in DNA, one could not distinguish between uracil bases that are supposed to be present and cytosines that had been deaminated. By using thymine instead of uracil, the cell will recognize uracil bases in DNA as deaminated cytosines, remove them, and allow repair enzymes to restore a cytosine at that position in order to prevent a mutation from occurring.
 

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