nucleoside diphosphate biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of a nucleoside diphosphate, a compound consisting of a nucleobase linked to a deoxyribose or ribose sugar esterified with diphosphate on the sugar. [GOC:go_curators, ISBN:0198506732]

Nucleoside diphosphate biosynthetic process is a fundamental metabolic pathway that generates the essential building blocks for DNA, RNA, and a wide array of other cellular molecules. This process involves the synthesis of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs), which are the precursors for nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs), the activated forms of nucleotides used in DNA replication, RNA transcription, and numerous other cellular processes. The biosynthesis of NDPs typically involves two main steps:

1. **Phosphorylation of a nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) to a nucleoside diphosphate (NDP).** This reaction is catalyzed by nucleoside monophosphate kinases (NMPKs), which are highly conserved enzymes found in all organisms. NMPKs utilize ATP as a phosphate donor, transferring a phosphate group from ATP to the 5'-hydroxyl group of the NMP, forming the corresponding NDP.

2. **De novo synthesis of NDPs from simpler precursors.** This pathway involves a series of enzymatic reactions that assemble the nucleotide base and the ribose-5-phosphate moiety, followed by the addition of two phosphate groups. The specific enzymes involved vary depending on the particular nucleoside diphosphate being synthesized, but the overall process involves the conversion of amino acids, carbohydrates, and other small molecules into the building blocks of nucleotides.

The biosynthesis of NDPs is tightly regulated to ensure that the appropriate levels of these essential molecules are maintained. This regulation is achieved through a combination of mechanisms, including allosteric control of enzyme activity, feedback inhibition, and changes in gene expression. Defects in nucleoside diphosphate biosynthesis can lead to a variety of genetic disorders, including severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. These disorders highlight the critical role of this pathway in human health and development.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)