1. A colorless crystalline compound that is a parent substance of uric acid and is found in all living cells as a component of nucleic acids.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry
2. Any of a group of organic bases derived from purine, including adenine and guanine, which are essential components of DNA and RNA.
Usage: biochemistry; genetics

Examples

• Purines are one of the two types of nitrogenous bases found in nucleotides.
• Adenine and guanine are examples of purines that appear in DNA.
• The body breaks down purines from food into uric acid.
• High purine foods like red meat and organ meats can increase uric acid levels.
• Purines are synthesized in the body and also obtained from dietary sources.
• The structure of a purine consists of a six-membered ring fused to a five-membered ring.