2-脱氧-D-核糖 /2-Deoxy-D-Ribose

2-Deoxy-D-Ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide and a crucial structural component of DNA. Unlike regular D-ribose, which has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon, 2-deoxy-D-ribose lacks this hydroxyl group, making it a “deoxy” sugar. Its molecular formula is C₅H₁₀O₄.

This sugar plays a central biological role as part of the backbone of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), where it alternates with phosphate groups to form the DNA strand structure. The absence of the hydroxyl group at the 2' position increases DNA’s chemical stability compared to RNA, which contains D-ribose.

Beyond its genetic function, 2-deoxy-D-ribose is also used in biochemical research, including studies related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cancer metabolism. Some research suggests it may be involved in cellular oxidative damage and can serve as a pro-oxidant agent in certain experimental models.

Commercially, 2-deoxy-D-ribose is available as a fine chemical used in laboratory applications, particularly in assays involving DNA damage or antioxidant testing. Its unique chemical structure makes it valuable in nucleoside synthesis and other molecular biology applications.