Ribose

Ribose is a carbohydrate that plays a crucial role in the formation of RNA, DNA, and ATP. It is a monosaccharide with the chemical formula C5H10O5. Ribose is a key component of several important biomolecules, including nucleic acids and nucleotides.

Structure

Ribose is a pentose sugar, meaning it has five carbon atoms. It has a linear form and a ring form, with the ring form being more stable and therefore more common. The ring form of ribose is a furanose, a five-membered ring with four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.

Biological role

Ribose is a critical component of several important biomolecules. It forms the backbone of RNA, where it links together nucleotides to form the RNA strand. In DNA, a related sugar called deoxyribose performs a similar function. Ribose is also a component of ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, as well as other important biomolecules like coenzyme A, NADH, and FAD.

Synthesis

In cells, ribose is synthesized from glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway also produces NADPH, a molecule important for redox reactions in the cell.

Clinical significance

Because of its role in energy production, ribose has been studied as a potential treatment for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. However, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and more research is needed.

See also

• Deoxyribose
• Pentose phosphate pathway
• Nucleic acid

Ribose Resources
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