Glutamine is a major nitrogen precursor for bases synthesis, transferring from 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms for de novo synthesis of purines and pyrimidines. During these reactions, glutamate is the byproduct, as a result of glutamine deamination. My question is if ammonium (NH4+) can itself be incorporated into nascent purines and pyrimdines or do the specific enzymes require glutamine as the nitrogen donor?
Paulo,
Have you found the answer? I am also interested in understanding what is going on regarding the glutamine/ glutamate and arginine interface.
Susana,
I think mammalian cells require glutamine-derived nitrogen for purine and pyrimidine synthesis, but at least some bacteria should be able to directly incorporate NH4 into nucleic bases.
thank you. NH4 can also be a byproduct from the metabolism of fatty acids, ketone bodies, glucose and lactate (through NH3) for example in kidney metabolism- it is a readily and widely available subtract; hence my interest regarding your question. Think you have raised a very good point.
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