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Chapter 26: Problem 15

Write a balanced equation for the synthesis of dTMP from UMP and \(N^{5}, N^{10}\) -methylene-THF. Thymidylate synthase has four active-site arginine residues \(\left(\mathrm{Arg}^{23}, \mathrm{Arg}^{17 \mathrm{s}}, \mathrm{Arg}^{139}, \text { and } \mathrm{Arg}^{218}\right)\) involved in substrate binding. Postulate a role for the side chains of these Arg residues.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The synthesis of dTMP from UMP and N5,N10-methylene-THF is represented by the chemical equation: 'UMP + N5,N10-methylene-THF -> dTMP + DHF', and is catalyzed by thymidylate synthase. The Arginine residues in the enzyme's active site likely aid in substrate binding and proper enzyme-substrate orientation for catalysis.

Step by step solution

01

Write down the known equation

The chemical equation for the synthesis of dTMP from UMP and N5,N10-methylene-THF is often represented as: \( UMP + N^{5},N^{10}\) -methylene-THF \rightarrow dTMP + dihydrofolate (DHF)This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme Thymidylate synthase.
02

Describe the role of thymidylate synthase

In this reaction, thymidylate synthase catalyzes the transfer of a methylene group from N5,N10-methylene-THF to UMP, forming dTMP and dihydrofolate. This is a key step in the de novo synthesis of dTMP, a building block for DNA.
03

Postulate roles for the Arginine residues

Arginine residues have a positive charge which may help in ion bonding and stabilization of the negatively charged phosphate groups of the substrates (UMP and THF). Arg23 and Arg218 bind and position the substrate UMP, while Arg139 stabilizes the pterin ring of N5,N10-methylene-THF. Lastly, Arg176 could be involved in the proper orientation of the enzyme and substrates for catalysis to occur.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Indicate which reactions of purine or pyrimidine metabolism are affected by the inhibitors (a) azaserine, (b) methotrexate, (c) sulfonamides, (d) allopurinol, and (e) 5 -fluorouracil.

Draw the purine and pyrimidine ring structures, indicating the metabolic source of each atom in the rings.

Illustrate the key points of regulation in (a) the biosynthesis of IMP, AMP, and GMP; (b) \(E .\) coli pyrimidine biosynthesis; and (c) mammalian pyrimidine biosynthesis.

Since dUTP is not a normal component of DNA, why do you suppose ribonucleotide reductase has the capacity to convert UDP to dUDP?

Describe the underlying rationale for the regulatory effects exerted on ribonucleotide reductase by ATP, dATP, dTTP, and dGTP.
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