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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# dTMP (thymidine monophosphate)

dTMP is the thymine nucleotide, unique to DNA; many cancer drugs work by preventing its formation.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- Thymidylate synthase makes it by methylating dUMP with N⁵,N¹⁰-methylene-THF, which is left as DHF.
- DHFR regenerates THF: that is why methotrexate (DHFR) and 5-FU (thymidylate synthase) stop DNA synthesis.
- Thymine is uracil with a methyl at C5; DNA uses thymine so that uracil arising from damage can be recognised.
- It also forms by salvage: thymidine kinase + thymidine → dTMP.

**Also called**
Thymidylic acid

**Formula**
C₁₀H₁₅N₂O₈P

**PubChem**
[CID 9700](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9700)

## Structure

- Thymine linked to a 2'-deoxyribose with a phosphate on C5'.
- It is phosphorylated to dTDP and dTTP before entering DNA.

## Clinical notes

- Without dTMP dividing cells die («thymineless death»): the basis of 5-FU, capecitabine and methotrexate.
- Folate or B12 deficiency slows its synthesis and produces megaloblastic anaemia.

## Pathways

- [Pyrimidine synthesis](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/pyrimidine-synthesis/)

## Related conditions

- [Colorectal cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/colorectal-cancer/)

## Related

- [Thymidylate synthase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/thymidylate-synthase/)
- [Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/dihydrofolate-reductase/)
- [Ribonucleotide reductase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/ribonucleotide-reductase/)
- [Drugs acting on nucleotide metabolism](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/drugs-acting-on-nucleotide-metabolism/)
- [Nucleotide structure](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/nucleotide-structure/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## From which molecule is dTMP made?

From dUMP, by methylation by thymidylate synthase.

## Why does methotrexate stop dTMP formation?

It blocks DHFR; without regenerated THF there is no methylene-THF for thymidylate synthase.

## What is the chemical difference between thymine and uracil?

Thymine has a methyl group at C5 of the ring.

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [5'-Thymidylic acid (CID 9700)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9700) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Interconversion of nucleotide di- and triphosphates](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-499943) (Reactome, 2026); [TYMS: Thymidylate synthase (human)](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P04818/entry) (UniProt, 2026).

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/dtmp/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/dtmp/