UDPfructose

UDPfructose, also known as uridine diphosphate fructose, is a molecule involved in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a disaccharide composed of uridine diphosphate and fructose. UDPfructose acts as a substrate in enzymatic reactions that transfer fructose to other molecules. Specifically, it is a precursor in the synthesis of certain polysaccharides and other complex carbohydrates. It plays a role in the biosynthesis of sucrose in plants. In animal cells, UDPfructose can be an intermediate in the metabolism of fructose, although it is less abundant than its isomer UDP-glucose. The interconversion between UDP-glucose and UDPfructose is catalyzed by the enzyme UDP-glucose-fructose transketolase. This enzyme is crucial for pathways that involve the modification and utilization of sugars. The presence and activity of UDPfructose are important for understanding various metabolic processes across different organisms.