Purine degradation refers to the breakdown of purine nucleotides (adenine and guanine) into smaller compounds. This process is necessary for the removal of excess and unwanted purines from the body. Purines are essential components of DNA, RNA, and various other molecules involved in cellular metabolism.
The degradation of purines begins with the conversion of adenine and guanine nucleotides to their respective bases (adenine and guanine) by the enzyme nucleotidase. These bases are then further broken down by specific enzymes to form intermediate compounds, such as xanthine and hypoxanthine.
Xanthine oxidase converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid, which is the final product of purine degradation in humans. Uric acid is excreted by the kidneys in urine.
Deficiencies or dysfunctions in the enzymes involved in purine degradation can lead to the accumulation of purine metabolites and result in various disorders, such as gout and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes overproduction of uric acid and is characterized by neurological and behavioral abnormalities.
Overall, purine degradation plays a crucial role in the regulation of purine metabolism and the elimination of waste products from the body.
purine degradation
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