Cytidine deaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the deamination of cytidine, converting it into uridine, and plays a crucial role in pyrimidine metabolism and RNA editing. It is involved in various biological processes, including the regulation of gene expression and the innate immune response against viral infections.

Cytidine Deaminase

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They are highly specific to their substrates and operate under optimal conditions of temperature and pH to maintain cellular function and metabolism.

Enzyme

Deamination is the process by which an amino group is removed from a molecule, often resulting in the conversion of an amino acid into a keto acid and ammonia. This biochemical reaction is crucial in the catabolism of amino acids, allowing for the removal of excess nitrogen from the body and the production of energy or other metabolic intermediates.

Deamination

Cytidine

Uridine

Pyrimidine metabolism involves the synthesis and degradation of pyrimidine nucleotides, which are essential components of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Disruptions in this metabolic pathway can lead to various disorders, including orotic aciduria and certain types of cancer, highlighting its importance in cellular function and genetic stability.

Pyrimidine Metabolism

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that alters nucleotide sequences in RNA molecules, leading to the production of proteins that differ from those encoded by the corresponding DNA. This mechanism allows for increased protein diversity and regulation of gene expression, playing crucial roles in development, adaptation, and disease processes.

RNA Editing

Biological processes are the vital sequences of events or chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to sustain life, encompassing everything from cellular respiration to reproduction. These processes are essential for maintaining homeostasis, growth, and adaptation in response to environmental changes.

Biological Processes

Regulation of gene expression is the process by which cells control the quantity and timing of the appearance of the functional product of a gene, ensuring that genes are expressed at the right times and in the right amounts. This regulation is crucial for cellular differentiation, organismal development, and adaptability to environmental changes.

Regulation Of Gene Expression

The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense against pathogens, characterized by its rapid, non-specific action. It involves physical barriers, immune cells, and proteins that recognize and eliminate invaders without prior exposure or adaptation.

Innate Immune Response

Viral infections occur when viruses invade the body's cells and replicate, often causing disease by damaging or killing host cells and triggering immune responses. They can spread through various means, such as direct contact, airborne transmission, or vectors, and are typically managed by vaccines, antiviral drugs, and supportive care.

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