Uracil

Basic Facts
Uracil is one of the four nulceobases in the nucleic acid of RNA. It is a naturally occurring pyrimidine derivative. It was discovered in 1900, but recent 2008 studies show that ratios of organic compounds found in the murchison meterorite, suggest that Uracil, xanthine and related molecules were formed extraterrestrials. The molecular formula for Uracil is C4H4N2O2. Its molar mass is 112.08676 grams per mole and it is found in a solid form. Its density is 1.32 grams per centimeter^3. has a melting point of 335 degrees celsius, and it is soluble in water. Can be visualized in the blue region in IV light.

Uracil readily undergoes regular reactions including alkylation, nitration, and oxidation. While in the presence of phenol and sodium hypochlorite, uracil can be visualized in the blue region of UV light. Uracil also has the capability to react with elemental [|h] alogens because of the presence of more than one strongly electron donating group. Chemical structure of Uridine Chemical structure of uridine Uracil readily undergoes addition to [|ribose] [|sugars] and [|phosphates] to partake in synthesis and further reactions in the body. Uracil becomes [|uridine], [|uridine monophosphate] (UMP), __ [|uridine diphosphate] __ (UDP), [|uridine triphosphate] (UTP), and [|uridine diphosphate glucose] (UDP-glucose). Each one of these molecules is synthesized in the body and has specific functions.

Uses
Uracil can be used for drug delivery and pharmaceutical. Uracil's use in the body is to help carry out the synthesis of many enzymes necessary for cell function through bonding with ribosome and phosphates in both human cells and plant cells. One negativity found to pertain to Uracil is that it has been found to increase the risk of cancer in cases in which the body has an extreme folate deficient. It can also increase the risk for cancer in cases in which the body is extremely deficient in [|folate]

Uracil can be found within the DNA through coenzymes and nucleic acids of plant and animal tissues. In a scholarly article published in October 2009, NASA scientists reported having reproduced uracil from pyrimidine by exposing it to ultraviolet light under space-like conditions. This suggests that one possible natural original source for Uracil in the RNA world could have been panspermia There are many laboratory syntheses of uracil available. The first reaction is the simplest of the syntheses, by adding water to cytosine to produce uracil and ammonia.

The most common way to synthesize uracil is by the condensation of maleic acid with urea in fuming sulfuric acid as seen below also. Uracil can also be synthesized by a double decomposition of thiouracil in aqueous chloroacetic acid.