How Do You Spell DEOXYCYTIDYLATE DEAMINASE?

1. Deoxycytidylate Deaminase is an enzyme that plays a key role in nucleotide metabolism and DNA synthesis. It is responsible for the conversion of deoxycytidylate (dCMP) to deoxyuridylate (dUMP) by the removal of the amino group (NH2) from the cytosine base in the deoxyribonucleotide. This process involves the hydrolytic deamination reaction, whereby the amino group is replaced by a keto group, resulting in the formation of deoxyuridylate.

   Deoxycytidylate Deaminase is crucial for maintaining the balance between the synthesis of pyrimidine deoxynucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, and the pool of free nucleotide precursors. By converting dCMP to dUMP, it ensures the availability of the latter for the subsequent conversion to deoxythymidylate (dTMP) – a necessary step for DNA synthesis and repair. Additionally, deoxycytidylate deaminase helps regulate the overall nucleotide pool, as excessive accumulation of dCMP can lead to imbalances and potentially harmful effects on cellular processes.

   Deficiencies in deoxycytidylate deaminase activity are associated with certain genetic disorders, such as hereditary orotic aciduria. This rare metabolic disorder is characterized by a deficiency in the conversion of dCMP to dUMP, leading to decreased synthesis of DNA and impaired cell division. Symptoms may include anemia, growth retardation, and urinary excretion of orotic acid.

   In summary, deoxycytidylate deaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of dCMP to dUMP, a critical step in nucleotide metabolism and DNA synthesis

Common Misspellings for DEOXYCYTIDYLATE DEAMINASE

The word "deoxycytidylate deaminase" is built upon several components with specific meanings:

1. Deoxy-: Suffix meaning "lacking oxygen" or "containing a hydroxyl or other radical in place of a hydroxyl". In this case, it refers to the absence of oxygen in the deoxycytidylate molecule.

2. Cytidylate: It is derived from the word "cytidine", which refers to a nucleoside molecule composed of cytosine (one of the four nucleobases in DNA and RNA) and a sugar molecule (ribose or deoxyribose). The -ylate suffix indicates the presence of a substituent or derivative.

3. Deaminase: A suffix indicating the enzyme that catalyzes deamination, a chemical reaction that involves removing the amino group (-NH2) from a molecule.