Nucleoside Triphosphates
Nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) are organic molecules composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and three phosphate groups. They play a crucial role in cellular processes, serving as the building blocks for the synthesis of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. The most common NTPs include ATP (adenosine triphosphate), GTP (guanosine triphosphate), CTP (cytidine triphosphate), and UTP (uridine triphosphate).
In addition to their role in nucleic acid synthesis, NTPs are also vital for energy transfer within cells. ATP, for example, is often referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell, providing the energy needed for various biochemical reactions. The hydrolysis of NTPs releases energy, which is harnessed by enzymes and other proteins to perform essential cellular functions.