Features
The significance and role of nucleotide compounds in biological systems cannot be overstated. These compounds play critical roles in a vast array of biochemical reactions that occur within organisms. In fact, their involvement spans across five key aspects, highlighting their importance.
Synthetic biological macromolecules RNA and DNA are synthesized from nucleotides that serve as their building blocks. Nucleotides can be grouped into four main types in RNA, which include UMP, CMP, AMP, and GMP. The process of de novo synthesis of nucleotides starts from basic components such as ribose phosphate, amino acids, carbon dioxide, and one-carbon units. On the other hand, the four main types of deoxynucleotides in DNA, namely dAMP, dGMP, dCMP, and dTMP, are produced through the reduction of their corresponding nuclear nucleotides at the diphosphate level. This information reveals the crucial role of nucleotides in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which are essential for life processes.
② Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays an extremely important role in cell energy metabolism. Part of the energy generated during oxidation of a substance is stored in
Nucleotide
Nucleotide
In the high-energy phosphate bond of the ATP molecule. The reaction of ATP molecular dissociation energy can cooperate with various biological reactions that require energy to do work, and perform various physiological functions, such as material anabolism, muscle contraction, absorption and secretion, body temperature maintenance, and bioelectrical activities. Therefore, it can be considered that ATP is the center of energy metabolism and transformation.
Furthermore, besides serving as the main energy currency in living organisms, ATP can also donate its high-energy phosphate bonds to other nucleotides such as UDP, CDP, and GDP. This results in the production of UTP, CTP and GTP, which also act as direct sources of energy in certain anabolic reactions. Addition to this, in some metabolic pathways, nucleotide derivatives are activated intermediates, such as UTP, which plays a significant role in supplying energy for glycogen synthesis. Additionally, UDP also aids in transporting glucose.
Adenylate has many significant coenzymes, such as NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and CoA (coenzyme A). Both NAD+ and FAD are essential components of the biological oxidation system and play a crucial role in the transfer of hydrogen atoms or electrons. CoA, on the other hand, serves as a coenzyme component in some enzymes and participates in the aerobic metabolism of both sugars and fatty acids. Adenylate and its coenzymes play a pivotal role in ensuring the proper functioning of various biological reactions.
Nucleotides, as the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms, are involved in regulating numerous vital biological processes. They play a critical role in the growth, development, reproduction, and inheritance of organisms. Taking milk powder, for instance, helps support the healthy function of the digestive system in babies, lowers the incidence of diarrhea and constipation, boosts their immunity, and minimizes the risk of illnesses.
