Deoxycytidine monophosphate

Deoxycytidine monophosphate (dCMP) is a nucleotide that is used in the body for the synthesis of DNA. It is a type of deoxyribonucleotide, which are the building blocks of DNA. dCMP is composed of the nitrogenous base cytosine, the sugar deoxyribose, and one phosphate group.

Structure and Properties

dCMP is a monophosphate, meaning it has one phosphate group. The phosphate group is attached to the 5' carbon of the deoxyribose sugar. The nitrogenous base cytosine is attached to the 1' carbon of the deoxyribose sugar. The structure of dCMP allows it to pair with the nucleotide deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP) in the DNA double helix.

Synthesis

dCMP is synthesized in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions. The first step in the synthesis of dCMP is the conversion of deoxycytidine to dCMP by the enzyme deoxycytidine kinase. This reaction requires the presence of ATP.

Function

dCMP is crucial for the synthesis of DNA. It pairs with dGMP in the DNA double helix, allowing the DNA strands to come together and form the double helix structure. This pairing is crucial for the accurate replication of DNA during cell division.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the levels of dCMP can have significant clinical implications. For example, increased levels of dCMP have been associated with certain types of cancer. Additionally, mutations in the enzyme that synthesizes dCMP can lead to disorders such as immunodeficiency.

See Also

• Deoxyribonucleotide
• DNA replication
• Nucleotide