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purine
Any of a group of nitrogen-containing, organic bases, the molecules of which have a double-ring structure. Purines are the larger of the two types of nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA (the other being pyrimidines). Adenine and guanine are purines.
Purines are synthesized in the body or produced by the digestion of certain proteins. Foods and other substances high in purines include, sardines, liver, kidneys, pulses, poultry, caffeine, and theophylline. Increased levels of purines in the body can cause hyperuricemia (a raised level of uric acid in the blood), which may lead to gout.
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• BIOCHEMISTRY
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