Final Answer:
According to this statement the correct answer is b) Pyrimidines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pyrimidines are small bases containing one carbon-nitrogen ring. The structure of pyrimidines includes a six-membered ring composed of four carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms. The two main types of pyrimidines found in nucleic acids are cytosine and thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA). These bases play a crucial role in the genetic code, forming base pairs with specific purines (adenine or guanine) to maintain the genetic information in DNA and RNA.
The term "pyrimidine" is derived from the Greek word "pyr" meaning "fire" because of the synthetic methods used to produce these compounds. In the context of nucleic acids, pyrimidines are essential components that contribute to the overall structure and function of DNA and RNA. Understanding the distinction between pyrimidines and purines is fundamental in molecular biology, as it forms the basis for comprehending the complementary base pairing that occurs in the DNA double helix. Pyrimidines and purines together make up the nitrogenous bases, which are the building blocks of nucleotides—the monomers that constitute nucleic acids. Therefore, the identification and classification of pyrimidines are crucial for unraveling the intricacies of genetic information transfer and storage.