1. Plural of purin; organic compounds containing a fused ring system of a pyrimidine and imidazole ring, found in nucleic acids and other biological molecules.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry; technical

Examples

• Purins are essential components of DNA and RNA in all living cells.
• The two main purins found in nucleic acids are adenine and guanine.
• Purins are synthesized in the body and also obtained from dietary sources.
• High levels of purins in the diet can contribute to gout in susceptible individuals.
• Scientists study purins to understand genetic mutations and protein synthesis.