Why Does Hypoxanthine Arise in Cells?

Deoxyinosine (hypoxanthine deoxyribonucleotide, dI) in DNA can arise from spontaneous deamination of deoxyadenosine residue, and is also induced by ROS produced from normal aerobic respiration. In addition, exposure of DNA to ionizing radiation, UV light, nitrous acid, or heat can promote the formation of dI [1, 2].

How is hypoxanthine formed?

Hypoxanthine also can be founded as intermediates in adenine degradation. Specifically, when purine nucleoside phosphorylates reacts with inosine will create hypoxanthine. Afterward, hypoxanthine is converted into xanthine by xanthine oxidase. Another way that hypoxanthine can formed is from deamination of adenine.

Why is hypoxanthine in cells?

Hypoxanthine is a necessary additive in certain cell, bacteria, and parasite cultures as a substrate and nitrogen source. For example, it is commonly a required reagent in malaria parasite cultures, since Plasmodium falciparum requires a source of hypoxanthine for nucleic acid synthesis and energy metabolism.