|
|
Pteridines constitute a large and structurally varied group
of natural compounds involved in the biosynthestic pathways
of cofactors and vitamins.
Derivatives with the structure 2-amino-4-oxo are designated
by the term "pterins" and can be divided into
two groups:
- Conjugated Pterins
Those derived from folic acid, containing a p-aminobenzoate plus glutamate
- Unconjugated Pterins
Contain neither of these two groups, instead, a substitution occurs
mainly at the 6-position of the ring nucleus
Pterins are present in the physiological fluids and tissues
in reduced and oxidised forms. Only the tetrahydro form
is active.
|
|
