uridine triphosphate
Quick Summary
Uridine triphosphate (UTP) is a pyrimidine ribonucleotide that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is synthesized from uridine monophosphate (UMP) through a process involving ATP. UTP is a building block for RNA and is also involved in energy exchange within cells.1
In the synthesis of storage polysaccharides like glycogen in animals and starch in plants, UTP is specifically used. It combines with glucose 1-phosphate to form UDP-glucose and pyrophosphate. UDP-glucose then donates glucose units to growing polysaccharide chains, a process essential for energy storage.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
metabolismFragmentation of other sugars…reactions requiring as a coenzyme uridine triphosphate (UTP). Fructose may also be phosphorylated in animal cells through the action of hexokinase [1], in which case fructose 6-phosphate is the product, or in liver tissue via a fructokinase that gives rise to fructose 1-phosphate [17]. ATP supplies the phosphate group in…
Read More…reactions requiring as a coenzyme uridine triphosphate (UTP). Fructose may also be phosphorylated in animal cells through the action of hexokinase [1], in which case fructose 6-phosphate is the product, or in liver tissue via a fructokinase that gives rise to fructose 1-phosphate [17]. ATP supplies the phosphate group in…
Read More- metabolismPyrimidine ribonucleotides
Uridine triphosphate (UTP) can be converted to the other pyrimidine building block of RNA, cytidine triphosphate (CTP). In bacteria, the nitrogen for this in reaction [74] is derived from ammonia; in higher animals, glutamine is the nitrogen donor.
Read MoreUridine triphosphate (UTP) can be converted to the other pyrimidine building block of RNA, cytidine triphosphate (CTP). In bacteria, the nitrogen for this in reaction [74] is derived from ammonia; in higher animals, glutamine is the nitrogen donor.
Read More