Adenosine

Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that plays a critical role in various physiological and biochemical processes within all living cells. Adenosine is composed of an adenine ring and a ribose sugar.

Adenosin

Biological Role

Adenosine is an integral component of key biomolecules including DNA, RNA, and various adenosine phosphates such as adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is particularly important, as it serves as the primary energy currency of the cell, driving a multitude of biochemical reactions.

Adenosine in Signaling

Adenosine also functions as a signaling molecule by binding to specific adenosine receptors, which are a class of G protein-coupled receptors. It plays a role in the central nervous system, contributing to processes such as sleep regulation, and it has anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, adenosine plays a role in coronary vasodilation.

Clinical Implications

Clinically, adenosine is used in the treatment of certain types of supraventricular tachycardia. Adenosine's ability to slow down heart rate through its action on the AV node makes it useful in this context.

See Also

• Purine Metabolism
• Nucleic Acids
• Adenosine Deaminase

External Links

MedlinePlus - Adenosine Britannica - Adenosine

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