Uronic acid

Uronic acids are carboxylic acids which are formed by a formal oxidation of the primary hydroxy group of monosaccharides ( -CH2- OH ) and carboxy (-COOH). They belong to the sugar acids. The nomenclature used is based on the underlying monosaccharide. The uronic acid of glucose ie in accordance with glucuronic acid, regardless of whether they are open-chain, as pyranose or furanose exists. The salts of uronic hot Uronate, such as glucuronate.

Physiological significance

Uronic acids play an important physiological role. Metabolites are sufficiently hydrophilic by salt formation with glucuronic acid to excrete through the kidneys can. Furthermore, uronic acids occur as glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in structural elements.

Biogenesis

The Uronsäureweg is an alternative way to oxidize glucose and glucuronate activated, UDP - glucuronate produce. A production of energy in the form of ATP is not possible.

Glucose -6-phosphate formed from catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoglucomutase, glucose -1-phosphate initially. This is now activated by UDP and oxidized NAD consumption catalytically to UDP - glucuronic acid. The activated glucuronic acid is a precursor for a number of other molecules, such as bilirubin, steroids, and a number of other, pharmacologically relevant molecules.