Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the reductive synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides from their corresponding ribonucleotides. It provides the precursors necessary for DNA synthesis. RNRs are separated into three classes based on their metallocofactor usage. Class I RNRs, found in eukaryotes, bacteria, and bacteriophage, use a diiron-tyrosyl radical. Class II RNRs, found in bacteria, bacteriophage, algae and archaea, use coenzyme B12 (adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl). Class III RNRs, found in anaerobic bacteria, bacteriophage, and archaea, use an FeS cluster and S-adenosylmethionine to generate a glycyl radical. Many organisms have more than one class of RNR present in their genomes. All three RNRs have a ten-stranded alpha-beta barrel domain that is structurally similar to the domain of PFL (pyruvate formate lyase). Class II RNRs are found in bacteria that can live under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Many, but not all members of this class are found to be homodimers. Adenosylcobalamin interacts directly with an active site cysteine to form the reactive cysteine radical.
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