Nucleosides

Nucleosides are a class of compounds that are composed of a nucleobase linked to a sugar molecule. They are the building blocks of nucleic acids, which are vital components of all living organisms.

Structure

A nucleoside consists of a nucleobase and a sugar. The nucleobase can be either a purine or a pyrimidine. Purines include adenine and guanine, while pyrimidines include cytosine, thymine, and uracil. The sugar component can be either ribose or deoxyribose. The nucleobase is attached to the 1' carbon of the sugar molecule.

Function

Nucleosides play a crucial role in various biological processes. They are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information, as they are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. They also participate in cellular energy transfer and signal transduction as components of important coenzymes like ATP, NAD+, and cAMP.

Synthesis

Nucleosides can be synthesized in the laboratory through various methods. One common method is the condensation of a nucleobase with a sugar derivative under specific conditions.

Clinical significance

Several nucleoside analogs are used as antiviral or anticancer agents. These analogs are structurally similar to normal nucleosides but have altered chemical properties. They work by interfering with the replication of viral or cancerous cells.

See also

• Nucleotide
• Nucleoside triphosphate
• Nucleoside analogues