Uses of Uracil in the Body
Uracil plays an important role in the body, because it is used to help carry out the synthesis of many enzymes that are needed for a cell to function through the bonding of riboses and phosphates. Uracil is also serves as a "coenzyme" for reactions that take place in the human body as well as plant life. Uracil is not only something that is inside our bodies working in our RNA but, it can also be used for drug delivery and as a pharmaceutical.
Uses of Uracil in Society
Today, Uracil is reacted with fluorine to produce 5-fluorouracil. This anti-metabolite is an anticancer drug used to disguise itself as Uracil during the nucleic acid replication process that takes place in the body. 5-Fluorouracil is a very interesting drug because it is similar in shape to Uracil but, does not preform and act like regular Uracil in RNA. This drug, when inhibiting RNA replication enzymes, actually eliminates RNA synthesis, which help to stop the growth of cancerous cells. In some cases Uracil is used in the synthesis of caffeine which is found in coffee and soft drinks (soda).