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Adenine (Vitamin B-4)
Adenine combines with the sugar ribose to
form adenosine, which in turn can be bonded with from one to three
phosphoric acid units, yielding the three nucleotides adenosine
monophosphate , adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate . These
adenine derivatives perform important functions in cellular metabolism.
Adenine is one of four nitrogenous bases utilized in the synthesis of
nucleic acids . A modified form of adenosine monophosphate is thought to
be a secondary messenger in the propagation of many hormonal stimuli.
Adenine is an integral part of the structure of many coenzymes. |
