guanine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “guanine” mean?
One of the four main nucleobases found in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, a purine derivative.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the four main nucleobases found in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, a purine derivative.
A crystalline organic compound that pairs with cytosine in DNA and RNA, forming one of the fundamental building blocks of genetic code. It is also a component of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy carrier in cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “guanine” in a Sentence
guanine pairs with cytosinethe guanine content of the genomea guanine nucleotideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guanine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The guanine-rich region formed a G-quadruplex.
American English
- The guanine-rich region formed a G-quadruplex structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used frequently in life sciences, biochemistry, and genetics papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in popular science discussions.
Technical
The primary context of use; essential terminology in molecular biology lab reports, research, and documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guanine”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guanine”
- Mispronouncing as /ɡuːˈæn.aɪn/ or /ˈɡwæn.iːn/.
- Misspelling as 'guanin' (dropping the final 'e').
- Confusing it with adenine or other nucleobases.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In DNA, guanine (G) specifically pairs with cytosine (C) via three hydrogen bonds.
Yes, guanine is one of the four main nucleobases in RNA as well, where it pairs with cytosine.
The standard one-letter abbreviation for guanine in genetic sequences is 'G'.
The name is derived from 'guano', as the compound was first isolated from bird excrement (guano) in 1844.
One of the four main nucleobases found in the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, a purine derivative.
Guanine is usually technical/scientific in register.
Guanine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑː.niːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑː.nin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUArdian of the genetic code, always paired with CYtosine' (G-C).
Conceptual Metaphor
A LETTER in the genetic ALPHABET (A, T, G, C). A BUILDING BLOCK or BRICK in the structure of DNA.
Practice
Quiz
Guanine is classified as what type of organic compound?