Product Description

Cytosine, with the chemical registry number CAS#71-30-7, is an essential building block of life and plays a crucial role in various biological processes.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Cytosine is a pyrimidine base, which consists of a heterocyclic ring structure containing nitrogen atoms. It is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of around 320-325 °C. Cytosine is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in hot water. It is also soluble in some organic solvents such as ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide.

In terms of chemical reactivity, cytosine can participate in various chemical reactions. It can form hydrogen bonds with other bases, such as guanine, to form the base pairs in DNA and RNA. Cytosine can also be modified by various chemical groups, such as methylation, which can affect its biological activity.

Occurrence and Sources

Cytosine is widely found in nature. It is one of the four nucleobases that make up DNA and RNA, along with adenine, guanine, and thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA). In living organisms, cytosine is synthesized through a series of enzymatic reactions.

Cytosine can also be obtained from various sources. For example, it can be extracted from biological materials such as yeast, liver, and other tissues. It can also be synthesized chemically in the laboratory.

Biological Functions

Genetic Information Storage

Cytosine is a key component of DNA and RNA, which are the molecules that store and transmit genetic information. In DNA, cytosine forms base pairs with guanine through hydrogen bonding. The sequence of bases in DNA determines the genetic code, which is responsible for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of various biological processes.

In RNA, cytosine can also form base pairs with guanine, as well as with uracil. RNA plays a variety of roles in the cell, including protein synthesis, gene regulation, and catalysis of chemical reactions.

Gene Expression Regulation

Cytosine methylation is an important epigenetic modification that can regulate gene expression. Methylation of cytosine residues in DNA can lead to the repression or activation of genes, depending on the context. This epigenetic regulation is involved in many biological processes, such as development, differentiation, and disease.

In addition, cytosine can also be modified by other chemical groups, such as hydroxymethylation and formylation, which can also affect gene expression.

Enzyme Cofactors

Some enzymes require cytosine derivatives as cofactors for their activity. For example, tetrahydrofolate, which contains a cytosine moiety, is an important cofactor for many enzymes involved in one-carbon metabolism. This metabolism is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and other important molecules.

Applications

Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

Cytosine is widely used in biotechnology and molecular biology research. It is used in the synthesis of oligonucleotides, which are short strands of DNA or RNA used in various applications such as gene therapy, diagnostics, and drug discovery. Cytosine is also used in PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

In addition, cytosine derivatives are used as probes and markers in molecular biology research. For example, fluorescently labeled cytosine derivatives can be used to detect specific DNA sequences or to study DNA-protein interactions.

Pharmaceuticals

Cytosine derivatives have potential applications in the development of pharmaceuticals. Some cytosine analogs, such as cytarabine and gemcitabine, are used as anticancer drugs. These drugs work by inhibiting DNA synthesis and thereby preventing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Other cytosine derivatives are being investigated for their potential as antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents.

Agriculture

Cytosine derivatives may also have applications in agriculture. For example, some cytosine analogs have been shown to have plant growth-regulating activities. These compounds may be useful in enhancing crop yield and quality.

Safety and Toxicity

In general, cytosine is considered relatively safe. However, like any chemical compound, it can have potential toxicity if used in excessive amounts or inappropriately. For example, high doses of cytosine analogs used as anticancer drugs can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and immunosuppression.

In addition, some cytosine derivatives may be mutagenic or carcinogenic. Therefore, it is important to handle cytosine and its derivatives with care and follow proper safety procedures.

In conclusion, cytosine (CAS#71-30-7) is a fundamental molecule with diverse biological functions and applications. Its role in genetic information storage and gene expression regulation makes it essential for life. Its applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture highlight its importance in various fields. However, further research is needed to fully understand its biological activities and potential risks.

Cytosine Basic information

Product Name	Cytosine
CAS	71-30-7
MF	C4H5N3O
EINECS	200-749-5
Mol File	71-30-7.mol

Cytosine Chemical Properties

Melting point	>300°C (lit.)
Boiling point	208.2°C (rough estimate)
Density	0,48 g/cm³
Solubility	Clear to very slightly hazy colorless to faint yellow solution at 50 mg/ml in 0.5 M HCL.
Form	Crystalline Powder
Color	White to slightly yellow
Water Solubility	Soluble
Stability	Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

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Cytosine CAS#71-30-7