Polarized light micrograph of adenine crystals. It is a purine derivative and a nucleobase with an amine group, used in forming nucleotides of the nucleic acids. There, they have a wide range of chemical and biochemical roles in the hereditary characteristics (the genetic code) of all cells. It acts like a regulatory molecule and is involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, cofactors (NAD, FAD), and signaling molecules (cAMP). Adenine has a variety of roles in biochemistry including cellular respiration (in the form of coenzymes ATP, NAD and FAD), and in protein synthesis (as a component of DNA and RNA). It is linked to meningitis and inborn errors of purine metabolism. It is researched in genetics, genomics, virology, oncology, nutrition, and astrobiology, among other fields. Adenine is used as a dietary supplement, as a local antiseptic, and as enteric coating. Field of view size: 0.15 x 0.22 mm (0.0058 x 0.0087 in)