Nucleotideprocessing

Nucleotideprocessing is a broad term used to describe the cellular and biochemical operations that handle nucleotides and nucleic acids from synthesis to degradation. It encompasses nucleotide metabolism, the construction and interconversion of the nucleotide pool, RNA and DNA processing during replication and transcription, and the surveillance and repair systems that maintain genome integrity.

Nucleotide metabolism includes de novo biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, and salvage pathways that recycle bases and nucleosides. Primers such as PRPP provide ribose phosphate. Nucleotide kinases regulate the interconversion among NTPs, NDPs, and NMPs, balancing supply with demand for DNA, RNA, and energy-carrier molecules like ATP and GTP. Regulatory networks respond to cellular energy status and nutrient availability.

Nucleotide degradation converts nucleotides to nucleosides and bases for excretion or reuse. Nucleotidases and nucleosidases break down NTPs to nucleosides and bases; purines may be further degraded to uric acid in some organisms, while pyrimidines are shunted to other catabolic pathways.

RNA processing covers capping, splicing, 5' and 3' end processing, editing, and modifications that tune RNA stability and translation. DNA processing includes replication, proofreading, and repair pathways such as base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and mismatch repair, which remove damaged nucleotides and restore correct sequences.

Chemical modification of nucleotides—such as methylation, acetylation, and isomerization of bases—affects structure and function of both nucleotides and nucleic acids. Cells regulate nucleotideprocessing through feedback control, cofactor availability, and compartmentalization, integrating it with metabolism, replication, and response to stress.

Disruptions in nucleotideprocessing contribute to diseases including metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegeneration, and understanding these pathways supports drug development and biotechnology.