nucleoside diphosphate catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown 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 catabolic process is a crucial metabolic pathway involved in the breakdown of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs), such as ADP and GDP. These molecules serve as precursors for nucleic acid synthesis and energy production within cells. The catabolism of NDPs proceeds through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately leading to the generation of simpler molecules like nucleosides, phosphate, and inorganic pyrophosphate.

The process begins with the dephosphorylation of NDPs by nucleoside diphosphate kinases, which transfer a phosphate group from one NDP to another, resulting in the formation of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) and nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs). Subsequently, nucleotidases hydrolyze NMPs, removing the phosphate group and yielding nucleosides.

Further degradation of nucleosides can occur through various pathways, depending on the specific nucleoside. For instance, adenosine can be converted to inosine by adenosine deaminase, while guanosine can be broken down into guanine and ribose.

The catabolism of NDPs plays a vital role in maintaining cellular energy balance, regulating nucleotide pools, and providing precursors for biosynthesis. Dysregulation of NDP catabolism can lead to various diseases, including genetic disorders affecting nucleotide metabolism and cancer.

In summary, nucleoside diphosphate catabolic process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that break down NDPs into simpler molecules, providing essential building blocks for other metabolic pathways and contributing to cellular homeostasis.'
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Proteins (4)

Compounds (3)