1-(2'-deoxy-beta-threopentofuranosyl)thymine

Description

1-(2'-deoxy-beta-threopentofuranosyl)thymine is a mouthful, so let's break it down:

* **1-(2'-deoxy-beta-threopentofuranosyl):** This describes the sugar component of the molecule.
* **2'-deoxy:** This means that the sugar molecule lacks a hydroxyl group at the 2' position.
* **beta:** This describes the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the 1' position relative to the sugar ring.
* **threopentofuranosyl:** This refers to a 5-carbon sugar (pentose) in a furanose ring form (a 5-membered ring).
* **thymine:** This is the nitrogenous base attached to the sugar.

**In short, 1-(2'-deoxy-beta-threopentofuranosyl)thymine is the scientific name for deoxythymidine (dThd) or thymidine.**

**Importance in Research:**

Deoxythymidine is a crucial molecule in biological research because it is one of the four building blocks of DNA (the others being deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine, and deoxycytidine).

Here are some reasons why deoxythymidine is significant in research:

* **DNA Synthesis and Replication:** It plays a direct role in DNA synthesis and replication, serving as a precursor for incorporating thymine into the growing DNA strand.
* **DNA Damage Studies:** Researchers use deoxythymidine as a marker for DNA damage, as its presence can be altered by various forms of damage.
* **Drug Development:** Deoxythymidine analogs are used in cancer therapy and antiviral medications. These analogs interfere with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, inhibiting their growth and proliferation.
* **Cellular Metabolism Studies:** Deoxythymidine levels are indicators of cellular metabolism and activity. Changes in its concentration can be used to assess cell growth and proliferation.
* **Genetic Research:** Deoxythymidine can be incorporated into DNA for genetic studies, including gene sequencing and genetic manipulation.

Overall, deoxythymidine is an essential molecule for understanding and manipulating DNA processes. Its significance extends across diverse research areas, including cancer biology, virology, and genetics.

1-(2'-deoxy-beta-threopentofuranosyl)thymine: RN refers to D-isomer [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]