Ribose

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Ribose

Ribose (/ˈraɪboʊz/ RY-bohz) is a carbohydrate that plays a crucial role in the makeup of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). It is a pentose sugar, meaning it consists of five carbon atoms.

Etymology

The term "ribose" is derived from the word "ribofuranose," which is a combination of "ribo-" from ribonic acid and "-furanose" from its structural resemblance to the compound furan.

Structure

Ribose is a simple sugar with the chemical formula C5H10O5. It is composed of a ring of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to each carbon atom except one, which carries a hydrogen atom instead.

Function

Ribose is an essential component of several important biomolecules, including RNA, DNA, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), and several vitamins. In RNA, ribose connects the nucleotide bases and forms the backbone of the RNA strand. In ATP, ribose provides the sugar backbone to which the triphosphate group is attached.

Related Terms

  • Deoxyribose: A derivative of ribose that is a component of DNA.
  • Ribonucleic Acid (RNA): A molecule composed of a long chain of ribose sugars and phosphate groups, along with nitrogenous bases.
  • Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): A molecule that provides energy for cellular processes, composed of a ribose sugar, a nitrogenous base (adenine), and three phosphate groups.

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