Concept explainers
(a)
To determine: The nucleoside from which cordycepin is derived.
Introduction: Cordycepin is an antibiotic and antimetabolite produced by the
(a)
Answer to Problem 1E
Correct answer: Cordycepin is the 3ʹ-deoxy analog of adenosine.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation:
Cordycepin is also known as 3ʹ-deoxyadenosine. Adenosine is a cellular purine nitrogenous base that contributes to various cellular molecular processes. Cordycepin is a derivative of Adenosine. The only difference between them is that cordycepin lacks 3ʹ-hydroxyl group. Thus, cordycepin is referred as 3ʹ-deoxy analog of
(b)
To explain: The mechanism of action of cordycepin.
Introduction: Cordycepin is an antibiotic and antimetabolite produced by the fungus, Cordyceps militaris. It is an analog of purine nucleoside having broad-spectrum biological activity. It inhibits DNA/ RNA synthesis and purine biosynthesis.
(b)
Explanation of Solution
Explanation:
Cordycepin is referred as 3ʹ-deoxy analog of nucleotide base adenosine. Adenosine is a cellular purine nitrogenous base that contributes to various cellular molecular processes. During RNA synthesis, certain enzymes are unable to differentiate between adenosine and Cordycepin. This leads to an incorporation of Cordycepin (3ʹ-deoxyadenosine) into the growing RNA chain in the place of normal nitrogenous bases. Since Cordycepin lacks 3ʹ-hydroxyl group, further elongation of RNA chain will be terminated in 5ʹ-3ʹ direction. As a result, premature termination of transcription would occur.
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Chapter 26 Solutions
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