C (cytosine): C stands for cytosine, a DNA nucleotide that which is one member of the base pair in DNA consisting of guanine and cytosine. This base pair is conventionally abbreviated G-C (or GC).
The other base pair in DNA is adenine and thymine which is conventionally abbreviated A-T (or AT).
Each base pair forms a "rung of the DNA ladder." A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the "letters" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. |
Copyright © 1996-2003 MedicineNet,
Inc. All rights reserved.
MedicineNet, Inc. does not endorse any of the services or products offered
on this page.

Information in the MedTerms Medical Dictionary is
provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully
read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical
problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. |