deoxyribonucleoside monophosphate

chemical compound

Also known as: dNMP

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Deoxyribonucleoside monophosphates (dNMPs) are organic compounds crucial for life, serving as the fundamental building blocks of DNA. Unlike the nucleotides in RNA, which contain the sugar ribose, DNA nucleotides use a sugar called deoxyribose. Additionally, DNA utilizes the base thymine instead of uracil, which is found in RNA.12

These dNMPs are assembled by enzymes like DNA polymerase, which adds them to a growing DNA chain. The specific dNMP added is determined by the base pairing rules with the template strand of DNA. This process ensures the accurate replication and repair of genetic information, maintaining the integrity of the cell's hereditary material.3

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metabolism
Synthesis of DNA
…[86] the addition of a deoxyribonucleoside monophosphate (dNMP) moiety onto a growing DNA chain (5′-DNA-polymer-3′-ΟΗ) is shown; the other product is inorganic pyrophosphate. The specific nucleotide inserted in the growing chain is dictated by the base in the complementary (template) strand of DNA with which it pairs. The functioning of…
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…[86] the addition of a deoxyribonucleoside monophosphate (dNMP) moiety onto a growing DNA chain (5′-DNA-polymer-3′-ΟΗ) is shown; the other product is inorganic pyrophosphate. The specific nucleotide inserted in the growing chain is dictated by the base in the complementary (template) strand of DNA with which it pairs. The functioning of…
Read More