purine

Definition / meaning of purine

One of two chemical compounds that cells use to make the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Examples of purines are adenine and guanine. Purines are also found in meat and meat products. They are broken down by the body to form uric acid, which is passed in the urine. High levels of uric acid in the body may cause gout.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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