Hypoxanthine is a naturally occurring compound that is part of the purine metabolism pathway in the body. It is a product of the breakdown of adenine and guanine, two important nucleobases found in DNA and RNA. Hypoxanthine can be converted into xanthine and then into uric acid, which is excreted from the body. In addition to its role in metabolism, hypoxanthine is also used in various scientific and medical applications. It can serve as a substrate in biochemical assays and is studied for its potential effects on cellular processes. Understanding hypoxanthine's functions can provide insights into conditions related to purine metabolism and gout.