Ribose
Ribose is a carbohydrate that plays a crucial role in the formation of RNA, DNA, and ATP. It is a monosaccharide with the chemical formula C5H10O5. Ribose is a key component of several important biomolecules, including nucleic acids and nucleotides.
Structure[edit]
Ribose is a pentose sugar, meaning it has five carbon atoms. It has a linear form and a ring form, with the ring form being more stable and therefore more common. The ring form of ribose is a furanose, a five-membered ring with four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
Biological role[edit]
Ribose is a critical component of several important biomolecules. It forms the backbone of RNA, where it links together nucleotides to form the RNA strand. In DNA, a related sugar called deoxyribose performs a similar function. Ribose is also a component of ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, as well as other important biomolecules like coenzyme A, NADH, and FAD.
Synthesis[edit]
In cells, ribose is synthesized from glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway also produces NADPH, a molecule important for redox reactions in the cell.
Clinical significance[edit]
Because of its role in energy production, ribose has been studied as a potential treatment for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. However, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and more research is needed.
See also[edit]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page. |
Ribose[edit]
-
Fischer Projection of L-Ribose
-
Beta-D-Ribofuranose
-
D-рибоза
-
L-рибоза
-
Alpha-D-Ribopyranose
-
Alpha-D-Ribopyranose numbered
-
Beta-D-Ribopyranose numbered
-
Alpha-D-Ribofuranose numbered
-
Beta-D-Ribofuranose Numbered
-
2' endo
-
2' endo 3' exo
-
3' endo 2' exo
