5-Bromouridine

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5-Bromouridine is a nucleoside analog in which a bromine atom is substituted for a hydrogen atom in the uracil component of uridine. It is used in various biochemical and molecular biology applications, particularly in the study of RNA synthesis and metabolism.

Structure and Properties

5-Bromouridine has a molecular formula of C9H11BrN2O6 and a molar mass of 323.10 g/mol. The structure consists of a ribose sugar attached to a brominated uracil base. The presence of the bromine atom makes it a useful tool for tracking and analyzing RNA molecules.

Applications

5-Bromouridine is commonly used in pulse-chase experiments to study the dynamics of RNA synthesis and degradation. It can be incorporated into newly synthesized RNA in place of uridine, allowing researchers to track the RNA using specific antibodies or other detection methods.

Synthesis

The synthesis of 5-Bromouridine typically involves the bromination of uridine using a brominating agent such as N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). The reaction is carried out under controlled conditions to ensure the selective bromination of the uracil base.

Biological Significance

Incorporation of 5-Bromouridine into RNA can affect the RNA's stability and function. It is often used to study the turnover rates of different RNA species and to investigate the mechanisms of RNA processing and degradation.

Safety and Handling

As with many chemical compounds, proper safety protocols should be followed when handling 5-Bromouridine. It should be stored in a cool, dry place and handled with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

See also

• Uridine
• RNA
• Nucleoside
• Pulse-chase experiment