Metabolism of Nucleotides
Nucleotide metabolism involves several interconnected pathways. Nucleotides can be synthesized de novo, or from components “salvaged” from the degradation products of nucleic acids. When in excess, nucleotides are degraded to products that can either be consumed by other pathways or excreted. Defects in the pathways for de novo synthesis, salvage, and degradation of nucleotides result in clinical disorders, and many drugs target these pathways.
Nucleotide anabolism can be broadly characterized as purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis.
