Biochemistry
Cytosine
One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, abbreviated as 'C'. Cytosine pairs with guanine through three hydrogen bonds, making C-G pairs more stable than A-T pairs.
Biological Context
Cytosine is prone to spontaneous deamination, converting it to uracil—a common source of mutations. DNA repair systems constantly correct these changes. Methylation of cytosine is a key epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
Business Application
Like cytosine methylation regulating gene expression, organizational policies can activate or silence capabilities without changing the underlying structure. Permission systems, approval workflows, and cultural norms act as 'methylation patterns' that modify what the organization can express.