Enzymes that bind phosphoribosyl-5-phosphate (PRPP) have a common structural fold, the PRT fold, which unites them as a structural family. PRT here refers to the phosphoribosyl transferase activity displayed by some family members. Typically, in such reactions, \(\mathrm{PP}_{\mathrm{i}}\) is displaced from PRPP by a nitrogen-containing nucleophile. Several such reactions occur in purine metabolism. Identify two such reactions where the enzyme involved is likely to be a PRT family member.

Short Answer

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Two reactions in purine metabolism that likely involve PRT family member enzymes are: 1) The reaction catalyzed by Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), leading to the formation of AMP. 2) The reaction catalyzed by Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), leading to the formation of IMP.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Concept of PRT Enzymes

PRT enzymes are a family of enzymes that have a common structural fold, the PRT fold, which allows them to bind to phosphoribosyl-5-phosphate (PRPP). These enzymes show phosphoribosyl transferase activity, meaning they are capable of transferring a phosphoribosyl group from PRPP to an acceptor molecule, often aided by a leaving group, such as pyrophosphate (\(PP_{i}\)). In this context, the nitrogen-containing nucleophile is the acceptor molecule.
02

Consider the Role of PRT Enzymes in Purine Metabolism

In purine metabolism, several reactions occur where \(PP_{i}\) is displaced from PRPP by a nitrogen-containing nucleophile, facilitated by a PRT enzyme. Given the characteristics of the PRT enzyme, it is plausible that the nitrogen-containing nucleophile will be a purine base, or a precursor molecule thereof. Therefore, the reactions that will be focused on involve PRPP and a nitrogen-containing nucleophile and result in purine base or purine base precursors.
03

Identify Two Such Purine Metabolic Reactions Involving PRT Enzymes

Two such reactions in purine metabolism where a PRT enzyme is likely involved are:1. Reaction catalyzed by Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT): In this reaction, adenine (a nitrogen-containing nucleophile) displaces \(PP_{i}\) from PRPP, resulting in the formation of AMP (adenosine monophosphate), a crucial molecule in energy transfer.2. Reaction catalyzed by Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT): In this reaction, hypoxanthine (a nitrogen-containing nucleophile) displaces \(PP_{i}\) from PRPP to form IMP (inosine monophosphate), an intermediate in the synthesis of purine nucleotides.

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