DEOXYTHYMIDYLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Deoxythymidylate, also known as dTMP, is a nucleotide that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cellular replication. It is one of the four building blocks, or deoxynucleotides, that make up DNA, with the others being deoxyadenylate (dAMP), deoxycytidylate (dCMP), and deoxyguanylate (dGMP).
Deoxythymidylate is generated from deoxyuridylate (dUMP) through a process called thymidylate synthesis. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme thymidylate synthase, which converts dUMP into dTMP by transferring a methyl group from N^5, N^10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate (MTHF). MTHF acts as a coenzyme, providing the necessary methyl group for the reaction to occur.
The generation of deoxythymidylate is vital for DNA replication and repair, as it serves as a precursor for the production of thymine nucleotides in DNA. Thymine is one of the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA, along with adenine, cytosine, and guanine. During DNA replication, dTMP is incorporated into the growing DNA strand by DNA polymerase enzymes, allowing for accurate duplication of the genetic material.
Overall, deoxythymidylate plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity and stability of DNA. Without sufficient levels of dTMP, DNA replication and cellular growth would be impaired, leading to a range of adverse effects on cell function and organism development.
Common Misspellings for DEOXYTHYMIDYLATE
- seoxythymidylate
- xeoxythymidylate
- ceoxythymidylate
- feoxythymidylate
- reoxythymidylate
- eeoxythymidylate
- dwoxythymidylate
- dsoxythymidylate
- ddoxythymidylate
- droxythymidylate
- d4oxythymidylate
- d3oxythymidylate
- deixythymidylate
- dekxythymidylate
- delxythymidylate
- depxythymidylate
- de0xythymidylate
- de9xythymidylate
- deozythymidylate
- deocythymidylate
Etymology of DEOXYTHYMIDYLATE
The word "deoxythymidylate" is derived from the components of its structure and function.
"Deoxy-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "deúteros", meaning second or removing an oxygen atom. In this context, it signifies the absence of an oxygen atom in the deoxyribose sugar molecule present in the structure.
"Thymidylate" refers to the nucleotide thymidine, which consists of a pyrimidine base called thymine (replacing uracil in RNA) and a deoxyribose sugar molecule. The "-ylate" suffix comes from the process of esterification, indicating the attachment of a phosphate group to the sugar molecule.
Combining these components, "deoxythymidylate" refers to the nucleotide monophosphate form of thymidine, typically encountered in DNA.
