Purine

Purines are organic bases with two interlocking rings of carbon and nitrogen atoms. They are part of many biologically important molecules, such as:

1. Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) - purines adenine and guanine are components of the nucleotides from which DNA and RNA are built.

2. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the main molecule that accumulates and transfers energy in cells. It contains purine adenine.

3. NAD and NADP are coenzymes involved in redox reactions. Contains purine nicotinamide.

4. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are purines that have a stimulating effect.

5. Uric acid is the end product of the breakdown of purines in the body.

Thus, purines play a critical role in cellular processes, being structural components of many biologically active molecules. Disturbances in the synthesis and breakdown of purines can lead to the development of pathological conditions such as gout.