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CG dinucleotide
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CG dinucleotide

biochemistry
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Quick Summary

A CG dinucleotide is a sequence of two nucleotides in DNA where a cytosine (C) is immediately followed by a guanine (G). Cytosine is a nitrogenous base that pairs with guanine in the DNA molecule through three hydrogen bonds. This pairing is crucial for maintaining the structure and stability of DNA.12

In mammals, methylation, a process where a methyl group is added, often occurs specifically within CG dinucleotides. This methylation can control gene transcription and is implicated in various cellular phenomena, including embryonic development and certain cancers.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. cytosine
  2. nucleic acid - Methylation

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