Deoxyadenosine monophosphate

Deoxyadenosine monophosphate (dAMP), also known as deoxyadenylate in older literature, is a nucleotide that is used as a monomer in DNA. It is an ester of phosphoric acid and the nucleoside deoxyadenosine. dAMP consists of a deoxyribose sugar molecule attached to an adenine base and a single phosphate group.

Structure and Properties

The structure of dAMP includes a deoxyribose sugar, attached to which is a phosphate group and an adenine base. The absence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon of the deoxyribose sugar distinguishes dAMP (and all deoxyribonucleotides) from their ribonucleotide counterparts.

The adenine base of dAMP is a purine, consisting of a six-membered and a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring fused together. In DNA, adenine base pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds, helping to stabilize the DNA molecule.

Biological Role

dAMP, like other deoxyribonucleotides, plays a crucial role in life as it is a building block of DNA. It is incorporated into DNA by DNA polymerase enzymes during the replication and repair of DNA.

The formation of dAMP can occur via several pathways in the cell, but the most common is through the reduction of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in dAMP metabolism can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, mutations in the gene encoding for adenylosuccinate lyase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of AMP (and subsequently dAMP), can lead to adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder that results in neurological abnormalities.

See Also

• Deoxycytidine monophosphate
• Deoxyguanosine monophosphate
• Deoxythymidine monophosphate
• DNA replication
• Nucleotide