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cytosine Definition

cy·to·sine (sīt′ō sēn′)

noun

a pyrimidine base, CHNO, contained in the nucleic acids of all tissue: it links with guanine in the DNA structure

Etymology: Ger zytosin < zyt-, cyto- + -os, -ose + -in, -ine

cytosine Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • arabinoside: AB - The pyrimidine analog cytosine arabinoside ( AraC ) is one of the most effective drugs used in the treatment of acute leukemia.
  • base: It is marked by addition of methyl groups to cytosine bases in DNA.