PRPP Meaning and
Definition
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PRPP stands for Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate, which is an important molecule involved in the biosynthesis of nucleotides and other essential cellular processes. It functions as a key precursor molecule in the metabolic pathways that produce purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA.
Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate is synthesized from ribose 5-phosphate, an intermediate in the sugar metabolism pathway, through the action of the enzyme PRPP synthetase. PRPP serves as a high-energy molecule due to the presence of two energy-rich phosphate groups. These phosphate groups are utilized in various biosynthetic reactions, including the conversion of IMP (inosine monophosphate) to AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and GMP (guanosine monophosphate), as well as in the synthesis of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and ADP (adenosine diphosphate)-ribose.
Furthermore, PRPP plays a critical role in the regulation of purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis. Its concentration directly influences the rate of nucleotide synthesis, acting as a feedback mechanism for controlling the production of these essential cellular components.
Deficiencies or impairments in PRPP synthesis or availability are associated with various metabolic disorders, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, which is characterized by neurological abnormalities and the overproduction of uric acid. Therefore, the precise regulation of PRPP levels is crucial for maintaining the balance of nucleotide synthesis and cellular homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for PRPP
- 0rpp
- oprpp
- p-rpp
- 0prpp
- p0rpp
- p5rpp
- pr5pp
- prlpp
- pr0pp
- prp0p
- prpp0
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