Nucleotides and Purine Synthesis

A complex molecule found in DNA and RNA consisting of a nitrogenous base (purine or pyrimidine), a pentose sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and one or more phosphate groups.

A double-ringed nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, including Adenine (A) and Guanine (G).

A single-ringed nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, including Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), and Uracil (U).

The process by which purines are synthesized from scratch using simpler molecules.

The process by which purines are broken down into their basic components.

The process by which pyrimidines are synthesized from scratch using simpler molecules.

The process by which pyrimidines are broken down into their basic components.

A pathway that recycles purines and pyrimidines from broken down nucleic acids.

The synthesis of thymidine monophosphate (TMP) from deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP). Requires tetrahydrofolate as a cofactor.

A genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in HGPRT (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase), leading to excessive purine degradation and uric acid accumulation. Symptoms include hyperuricemia, self-mutilation, and neurological dysfunction.

A disorder characterized by the accumulation of uric acid due to either overproduction or impaired excretion. Urate crystals form in joints, leading to inflammation and pain.

A metabolic disorder caused by defects in the enzymes of pyrimidine synthesis. This leads to the accumulation of orotic acid, associated with megaloblastic anemia and growth retardation.

An inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). It affects folate metabolism, limiting purine and pyrimidine synthesis. The mechanism targets rapidly dividing cancer cells.

The sum of all biochemical reactions in an organism.

The study of the chemistry of living organisms.

A key intermediate in the de novo purine synthesis pathway, serving as a precursor for both AMP and GMP.

A five-carbon sugar phosphate produced from the pentose phosphate pathway, essential for the synthesis of nucleotides.

The enzyme that converts ribose-5-phosphate to PRPP, a crucial step in purine and pyrimidine synthesis.

A high-energy compound formed from ribose-5-phosphate, serving as an activated substrate in nucleotide synthesis.

The enzyme that converts PRPP to 5-phosphoribosylamine, a key step in building the purine ring.

A crucial step in purine synthesis where the first nitrogen atom is added to the purine ring.

The process of adding various atoms from amino acids, formyl groups, and CO2 to form the purine ring structure.

The enzyme that converts IMP to adenylosuccinate, a key intermediate in AMP synthesis.

The enzyme that converts IMP to GMP, requiring NAD+ for oxidation and GMP synthetase for final conversion.

A mechanism where the end products of a metabolic pathway inhibit the enzymes involved in their synthesis, preventing excessive accumulation.

An enzyme involved in converting xanthine to uric acid, the final product of purine degradation.