Adenine (Gr. Aden - Iron) - Purine (Nitrogen Base)

Adenine (C5H5N5) is one of the purine bases, which consists of a heterocyclic ring containing five nitrogen atoms. It is part of nucleotides and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and plays an important role in many biological processes.

Adenine was first isolated in 1885 from the glands of the scientist Albert Koenz. It gets its name from the location of its isolation - the Greek word "Aden", which means iron.

Adenine is a key component of several important biological molecules, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenylic acid (AMP). ATP is a molecule that is the main source of energy for most living organisms. It contains adenine, ribose and three phosphate groups. When the bond between the second and third phosphate groups in the ATP molecule is broken, energy is released, which is used to perform various biological processes such as muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and transport of substances across cell membranes.

ADP is a molecule that is formed by the hydrolysis of one of the phosphate groups in the ATP molecule. AMP is a molecule that is formed when two phosphate groups are removed from the ATP molecule. Both of these molecules also play important roles in biological processes.

In addition, adenine is a precursor for the synthesis of other important biological molecules such as nucleotides, coenzymes and vitamins.

In conclusion, adenine is an important purine base that plays a key role in energy transfer in biological systems. It is a constituent of several important biological molecules and is a precursor for the synthesis of other important biological molecules.