Base analog
Base Analog
A Base Analog (pronounced: /beɪs ˈænəlɒɡ/) is a chemical compound that can substitute for a natural nucleobase in nucleic acids. The term is derived from the Greek words "basis" meaning "step" and "analogos" meaning "proportional".
A base analog can pair with a natural base in a manner similar to the natural base pairing in nucleic acids. This can lead to mutations when the analog is incorporated into replicating DNA or RNA.
Types of Base Analogs
There are two main types of base analogs: purine analogs and pyrimidine analogs.
- Purine analogs are structurally similar to the natural purine bases adenine and guanine. Examples include 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine.
- Pyrimidine analogs are structurally similar to the natural pyrimidine bases cytosine, thymine, and uracil. Examples include 5-fluorouracil and cytarabine.
Use in Research and Medicine
Base analogs are used in research to induce mutations and study their effects. They are also used in medicine as chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer and viral infections.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Base analog
- Wikipedia's article - Base analog
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