Biochemistry · Molecule
UDP-glucose !
UDP-glucose is activated glucose: the form enzymes use to build glycogen and to swap sugars with galactose.
Updated 2026-11-01
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Key facts
- It is made from glucose 1-phosphate + UTP by UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase; hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate makes the step irreversible.
- Glucose donor for glycogen synthase.
- It takes part in the Leloir pathway (GALT and epimerase) and is the precursor of UDP-glucuronic acid, which conjugates bilirubin.
- Also called
- Uridine diphosphate glucose
- Formula
- C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₁₇P₂
- PubChem
- CID 8629
Structure
- Glucose linked through its carbon 1 to the diphosphate of uridine (UDP).
Clinical notes
- The UDP-glucuronic acid derived from it conjugates bilirubin and drugs in the liver; in neonatal jaundice this conjugation is still immature.
- In classic galactosaemia GALT cannot use UDP-glucose to process galactose 1-phosphate.
Pathways
Related conditions
Related
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
From which two molecules is UDP-glucose made?
From glucose 1-phosphate and UTP; pyrophosphate is released.
Which enzyme uses UDP-glucose to lengthen glycogen?
Glycogen synthase.
Which UDP-glucose derivative conjugates bilirubin?
UDP-glucuronic acid.
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: Udp-Glucose (CID 8629) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; Glycogen synthesis (Reactome, 2026); Galactose catabolism (Reactome, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).
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