bromouracil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bromouracil” mean?
A synthetic compound structurally similar to the nucleobase uracil, with a bromine atom substituted for a hydrogen atom at the 5-position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic compound structurally similar to the nucleobase uracil, with a bromine atom substituted for a hydrogen atom at the 5-position.
A base analogue used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetic research as a mutagen or as a radioactive tracer. It is incorporated into DNA in place of thymine during replication, potentially causing base-pair transitions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differences are minimal, relating primarily to stress and vowel quality (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond its precise technical meaning.
Frequency
Identically rare and highly specialized in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “bromouracil” in a Sentence
The experiment involved [INCORPORATING] bromouracil [INTO] the DNA strand.Researchers [TREATED] the cells [WITH] bromouracil.Bromouracil [ACTED AS] a mutagen.The [SYNTHESIS] of bromouracil [WAS ACHIEVED] via halogenation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bromouracil” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bromouracil-treated culture showed increased mutation rates.
- They studied the bromouracil incorporation pattern.
American English
- The bromouracil-treated culture exhibited higher mutation rates.
- They analyzed the bromouracil incorporation pattern.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Predominant context. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry to describe a specific mutagenic agent or isotopic label.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core context. Used in laboratory protocols, research discussions, and technical documentation pertaining to mutagenesis, DNA replication studies, or nucleotide chemistry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bromouracil”
- Misspelling as 'bromouracile' (French influence) or 'bromouricil'.
- Incorrect pronunciation placing primary stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈbroʊməʊ-/). The standard stress pattern is on the 'u' (/ˌbroʊmoʊˈjʊrəsɪl/).
- Using it as a general term for any mutagen instead of the specific compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily as a mutagen in genetic research to induce point mutations (A-T to G-C transitions) and historically as a radioactive tracer (using Bromine-82) in DNA replication studies.
No, it is a synthetic base analogue. It does not occur naturally in biological systems.
It is incorporated into DNA in place of thymine. Its tautomeric forms can mispair with guanine instead of adenine during replication, leading to a base-pair change in the next generation.
Its use is confined to specialised scientific fields, primarily molecular genetics, biochemistry, and chemical biology. It is not a term from general English.
A synthetic compound structurally similar to the nucleobase uracil, with a bromine atom substituted for a hydrogen atom at the 5-position.
Bromouracil is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bromouracil: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊməʊˈjʊərəsɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊmoʊˈjʊrəsɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BROther, you're uracil, but with a BROMine atom.' It's a modified (bromo-) version of the RNA base uracil.
Practice
Quiz
Bromouracil is structurally most similar to which natural nucleobase?