Cytidine

Cytidine is a nucleoside molecule that is formed when cytosine is attached to a ribose ring (also known as a ribofuranose) via a β-N1-glycosidic bond.

Chemical Structure

Cytidine is composed of a pyrimidine base, specifically cytosine, and a pentose sugar, ribose. The chemical formula of cytidine is C9H13N3O5.

Biological Role

Cytidine plays a crucial role in a number of biological processes. It is a component of RNA, where it pairs with guanine. In addition, cytidine is involved in the regulation of enzymes and in the production of phospholipids.

Synthesis and Degradation

Cytidine is synthesized in the body through the salvage pathway. This process involves the recycling of nucleotides from degraded RNA and DNA. Cytidine can also be degraded in the body to produce uridine, which can then be converted to uracil.

Clinical Significance

Cytidine has been studied for its potential therapeutic uses. For example, cytidine analogs have been used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. In addition, cytidine may have neuroprotective effects and has been studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.

See Also

• Nucleoside
• Cytosine
• Ribose
• RNA
• Guanine
• Enzyme
• Phospholipid
• Salvage pathway
• Uridine
• Uracil
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative disease

Cytidine Resources
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