In: Biology
What is the mechanism of synthesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate and what role does it play in the cell?
Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) is synthesized from the ribose-5-phosphate in the presence of ATP and ribose-phosphate diphosphokinase. The reaction follows SN2 mechanism, in which one bond is broken and another is formed synchronously. Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate plays a key role in the synthesis of purines through salvage pathway and de novo synthesis reactions.
Ribose-phosphate diphosphokinase
Ribose-5-phosphate + ATP ------------- ---------------------------------> Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate + AMP .