Adenine Unit Converter

Adenine is one of the two purine bases that form the building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is also a key component of ATP (the cell's main energy molecule), NAD and FAD (coenzymes involved in metabolism), and cyclic AMP (a signaling molecule).

Under normal conditions, plasma adenine is kept at very low levels because the enzyme adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) efficiently recycles free adenine back into usable nucleotides. A plasma adenine test measures how well this recycling process is working.

Elevated plasma adenine signals a disruption in purine salvage, most commonly from an inherited enzyme deficiency. It is typically measured alongside other purine and pyrimidine metabolites as part of a comprehensive panel.

Free adenine is released during the normal breakdown of DNA, RNA, and ATP in all cells throughout the body. Smaller amounts come from dietary sources and from polyamine metabolism. The enzyme APRT, present in most tissues, normally recycles this free adenine back into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) before it can accumulate.