Question

What is the name of the enzyme that converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides? What molecule does the reducing power come from originally? What form are the the ribonucleotides in before they are converted?

Answer 1

Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR) is the enzyme that converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, with NADPH providing the reducing power; the ribonucleotides are initially in triphosphate forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR) is a crucial enzyme in DNA synthesis, catalyzing the conversion of ribonucleotides (ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP) to their deoxyribonucleotide counterparts. This process is essential for DNA replication and repair. The reducing power for RNR's activity is derived from Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH), emphasizing the role of this cofactor in providing electrons for the reduction reaction. Through a multistep process, RNR facilitates the removal of the 2'-OH group from ribonucleotides, yielding deoxyribonucleotides. This transformation is a pivotal step in maintaining the balance of nucleotide pools necessary for accurate and efficient DNA synthesis in cells.