How Do You Spell FORMYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːmɪltˌɛtɹɑːɹˌa͡ɪdɹəfˌɒle͡ɪt] (IPA)

Formyltetrahydrofolate is a complex chemical compound used in the body's metabolic processes. The word is pronounced as /fɔːmɪltɛtrəhaɪdrəfəleɪt/, with the stress falling on the third syllable from the start. The "f" sounds like "fuh," while the "o" sound is pronounced like "aw." The "y" in "formyl" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit," while the "t" in "tetrahydrofolate" is silent. This word's spelling reflects its intricate structure and serves as an essential component in the scientific community's lexicon.

FORMYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE Meaning and Definition

1. Formyltetrahydrofolate is a compound that plays a crucial role in one-carbon metabolism, a series of biochemical reactions involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and other important molecules. It is a form of tetrahydrofolate, which is a derivative of folic acid (vitamin B9).

   Formyltetrahydrofolate is formed through the addition of a formyl group to tetrahydrofolate, resulting in the conversion of the compound to its active form. This activation allows formyltetrahydrofolate to participate in multiple reactions as a carrier of one-carbon units. One-carbon units are critical for the biosynthesis of various compounds, including purines and thymidine, as well as the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.

   This compound is particularly significant in the process of DNA synthesis and repair, as it contributes to the formation of the building blocks of DNA. Notably, it serves as a donor of formyl groups during the synthesis of purines, which are the essential components of DNA and RNA.

   Formyltetrahydrofolate is also involved in several reactions related to the metabolism of amino acids. It participates in the conversion of serine into glycine and in the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine.

   In summary, formyltetrahydrofolate is a biologically active form of tetrahydrofolate that acts as a carrier of one-carbon units. Its involvement in various metabolic pathways makes it a crucial molecule for the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and DNA, playing a fundamental role in cell growth, division, and overall health.

Common Misspellings for FORMYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE

• t formyltetrahydrofolate

Etymology of FORMYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE

The word "formyltetrahydrofolate" can be broken down into its individual components to understand its etymology:

1. "Formyl" comes from the chemical group "formyl" (HCO-), which is derived from formic acid. Formyl groups are commonly found in various organic compounds.

2. "Tetrahydro" is derived from the prefix "tetra-", meaning four, and "hydro", which refers to hydrogen. In organic chemistry, "tetrahydro" indicates the presence of four hydrogen atoms.

3. "Folate" is derived from the Latin word "folium", meaning leaf. Folate is a type of B-vitamin (vitamin B9) that is essential for various metabolic processes in the body.