Nucleoside-diphosphatase

Nucleoside-diphosphatase

Structure of Nucleoside-diphosphatase

Nucleoside-diphosphatase (NDPase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleoside diphosphates into nucleoside monophosphates and inorganic phosphate. This enzyme plays a crucial role in nucleotide metabolism and is involved in various cellular processes, including DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and cell signaling.

Function

Nucleoside-diphosphatase is responsible for the conversion of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) to nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs) by removing a phosphate group. This reaction is important for maintaining the balance of nucleotides within the cell and for the recycling of nucleotides during nucleic acid metabolism.

Mechanism

The enzyme operates by binding to the nucleoside diphosphate substrate and facilitating the cleavage of the phosphoanhydride bond. This process involves the coordination of a water molecule, which acts as a nucleophile to attack the phosphorus atom, leading to the release of inorganic phosphate and the formation of a nucleoside monophosphate.

Structure

Nucleoside-diphosphatases are typically composed of a single polypeptide chain that folds into a specific three-dimensional structure necessary for its enzymatic activity. The active site of the enzyme is usually located in a cleft or pocket that accommodates the substrate and facilitates the catalytic reaction.

Biological Importance

Nucleoside-diphosphatases are essential for the proper functioning of cellular processes that require nucleotides. They are involved in the regulation of nucleotide pools, which is critical for DNA repair, cell division, and signal transduction.

Related Enzymes

Nucleoside-diphosphatase is part of a larger family of enzymes known as nucleotidases, which are responsible for the hydrolysis of nucleotides. Other related enzymes include nucleoside-triphosphatase and nucleoside-monophosphatase, which act on different substrates within the nucleotide metabolism pathway.

Related pages

• Nucleotide metabolism
• Enzyme kinetics
• Phosphatase
• Nucleoside