Ribose
[CAS# 24259-59-4]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Carbohydrate >> Monosaccharide
• Name: Ribose
• Synonyms: L-Ribose
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀O₅
• Molecular Weight: 150.13
• CAS Registry Number: 24259-59-4
• EC Number: 246-110-4
• SMILES: C([C@@H]([C@@H]([C@@H](C=O)O)O)O)O

Properties

• Melting point: 81-84 °C
• alpha: 20 ° (c=2,water)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

Ribose is a basic sugar molecule that plays a key role in biological systems, best known for its importance in nucleic acids such as RNA (ribonucleic acid). Discovered in 1891 by German chemist Emil Fischer, ribose quickly gained prominence for its key role as the backbone of RNA, essential for the transfer of genetic information and protein synthesis within living cells.

Ribose is a pentose sugar, characterized by its five-carbon structure. Its discovery marked a milestone in the understanding of the biochemical processes underlying life. Fischer's work not only identified ribose, but also elucidated its stereochemistry, laying the foundation for understanding its interactions in biological systems.

Ribose's primary function revolves around its incorporation into RNA molecules, where it forms the basic scaffold that supports the sequence of nucleotide bases. Unlike its more famous cousin, DNA, RNA utilizes ribose instead of deoxyribose, a difference that affects its stability and enzymatic activity. This distinction allows ribose to play a key role in processes such as transcription (RNA copies genetic information from DNA) and translation (RNA directs protein synthesis).

In addition to its role in nucleic acids, ribose is used in a variety of industries. In the biochemical and pharmaceutical fields, ribose and its derivatives are essential for the synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides, which are important components of antiviral drugs, cancer treatments, and genetic disease research. In addition, ribose's ability to stabilize enzymes and proteins can be used in biotechnology to increase the efficiency and specificity of enzymatic reactions.

In the medical field, ribose supplements are used to support cardiovascular health and increase energy levels, especially in diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Because ribose is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), ribose serves as a natural energy source within cells, highlighting its importance in metabolic processes and cell function.

The discovery and continued research of ribose continues to deepen people's understanding of its biochemical role and potential applications. From basic research in molecular biology to practical applications in medicine and biotechnology, ribose remains a cornerstone of scientific research and technological innovation, driving progress in various fields.

References

2024. Tailoring the natural rare sugars D-tagatose and L-sorbose to produce novel functional carbohydrates. *npj Science of Food*, 8(1).
DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00320-8

2022. On the Origin of Sugar Handedness: Facts, Hypotheses and Missing Links. *Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere*, 52(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s11084-022-09624-9

2023. Phosphate enrichment of RNA and its potential for the origins of life. *Nature Reviews Chemistry*, 7(3).
DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00476-z