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Uridinediphosphate, often abbreviated as UDP, is a vital coenzyme found in all living organisms. It plays a critical role in various metabolic pathways, particularly in the synthesis of glycogen, a storage form of glucose, and in the formation of glycosidic bonds. UDP is composed of uridine, a nucleoside consisting of uracil and ribose, and two phosphate groups linked together.

This molecule acts as a carrier of glucose residues during the process of glycogenesis, the synthesis of glycogen from glucose. In this process, UDP-glucose is formed, which then donates glucose units to the growing glycogen chain. UDP is also essential for the synthesis of other complex carbohydrates and polysaccharides, including lactose, the sugar found in milk. Furthermore, it participates in the synthesis of certain glycolipids and glycoproteins, which are crucial for cell structure and function. The regeneration of UDP from UMP and pyrophosphate is an energetically favorable process, allowing for continuous operation of these metabolic pathways. Its widespread involvement in carbohydrate metabolism makes UDP a fundamental molecule for energy storage and cellular biosynthesis.