Folic acid

Definition

Folic acid is a B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and repair, as well as cell division. It plays a crucial role in the production of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Folic acid is required for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are necessary for DNA replication.
2. Bacteria synthesize folic acid de novo, making it a target for antibacterial drugs like sulfonamides.
3. Sulfonamides inhibit the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, interfering with bacterial folic acid synthesis.
4. Humans must obtain folic acid from their diet because they cannot synthesize it, making selective toxicity possible in antimicrobial treatments.
5. Trimethoprim is another antimicrobial that targets bacterial folic acid metabolism by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase.

Review Questions

• Why is folic acid synthesis a good target for antibacterial drugs?
• How do sulfonamides interfere with bacterial folic acid synthesis?
• What is the role of trimethoprim in disrupting bacterial folic acid metabolism?

Related terms

Sulfonamides: A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth by blocking folic acid synthesis.

Dihydrofolate Reductase: An enzyme targeted by trimethoprim to inhibit bacterial folic acid metabolism.

Purines and Pyrimidines: Nucleotide bases necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis.