Biochemistry
Adenine
One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, abbreviated as 'A'. Adenine pairs with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA). Also a component of ATP, the cell's energy currency.
Biological Context
Adenine-thymine base pairs are held together by two hydrogen bonds, while guanine-cytosine pairs have three. This difference affects DNA stability and melting temperature. Adenine's role in ATP links genetic information storage to energy metabolism.
Business Application
The four DNA bases are like a business's core value propositions—the fundamental units from which all complexity is built. Understanding your 'base pairs' (essential complementary capabilities) reveals which partnerships are strong (three hydrogen bonds) versus weak (two).