MOLECULE

Deoxyuridine

Deoxyuridine, also known as dU, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as pyrimidine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Pyrimidine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides are compounds consisting of a pyrimidine linked to a ribose which lacks a hydroxyl group at position 2. Deoxyuridine is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Deoxyuridine exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, deoxyuridine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, deoxyuridine can be biosynthesized from deoxycytidine through its interaction with the enzyme cytidine deaminase. In addition, deoxyuridine can be converted into uracil and deoxyribose 1-phosphate through its interaction with the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase. In humans, deoxyuridine is involved in the metabolic disorder called ump synthase deficiency (orotic aciduria). Outside of the human body, Deoxyuridine is found, on average, in the highest concentration within beers. Deoxyuridine has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as cornmints, globe artichokes, lotus, conchs, and lambsquarters. This could make deoxyuridine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Deoxyuridine is a potentially toxic compound. A pyrimidine 2'-deoxyribonucleoside having uracil as the nucleobase. Deoxyuridine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.