Nucleotide Metabolism | Complicated Conversion of CTP/UTP to Thymine

The video tutorial explains the complex process of converting pyrimidines, specifically cytosine and uracil, into thymine. It covers the biosynthesis of CTP and UTP, their conversion to CDP and UDP, and the role of ribonucleotide reductase in creating deoxynucleotides. The tutorial also discusses the function of nucleoside diphosphate kinase in balancing nucleotide levels and the conversion of dCTP to dUTP and dUMP. Finally, it explains how thymidylate synthase converts dUMP to dTMP, emphasizing the importance of understanding these biochemical processes.

What is the main challenge in converting pyrimidines like cytosines and uracil into thymine?

• It is a complex process with multiple steps.

• It involves a simple chemical reaction.

• The process is straightforward and requires few steps.

• It can be done directly without any intermediate steps.

Why are CTP and UTP converted to their diphosphate forms?

• To increase their solubility in water.

• To make them more stable.

• To prepare them for immediate DNA synthesis.

• To allow ribonucleotide reductase to act on them.

What is the role of ribonucleotide reductase in nucleotide conversion?

• It synthesizes new nucleotides from scratch.

• It converts nucleotides into amino acids.

• It removes the two prime hydroxyl group to form deoxyribose.

• It adds a phosphate group to nucleotides.

What enzyme is responsible for converting deoxy CDP and deoxy UDP back to their triphosphate forms?

• Nucleoside diphosphate kinase

• DNA polymerase

• Ribonucleotide reductase

• Thymidylate synthase

How does nucleoside diphosphate kinase help in nucleotide balance?

• By degrading excess nucleotides.

• By balancing the levels of purines and pyrimidines in the cell.

• By converting all nucleotides to their monophosphate forms.

• By synthesizing new nucleotides.

Which enzyme converts uracil to thymine?

• DNA polymerase

• Ribonucleotide reductase

• Nucleoside diphosphate kinase

• Thymidylate synthase

Why is deoxy UMP important in the conversion of uracil to thymine?

• It is the only form that thymidylate synthase will act on.

• It can be directly converted to DNA.

• It is the most abundant form in the cell.

• It is more stable than other forms.