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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/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](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/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

- [Glycogen metabolism](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/glycogen-metabolism/)
- [Galactose metabolism](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/galactose-metabolism/)

## Related conditions

- [Classic galactosaemia](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/classic-galactosaemia/)

## Related

- [Glycogen](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/glycogen/)
- [Glycogen synthase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/glycogen-synthase/)
- [Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/galactose-1-phosphate-uridylyltransferase/)
- [Galactose](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/galactose/)
- [Glucose](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/glucose/)

## 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.

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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: [Udp-Glucose (CID 8629)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/8629) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Glycogen synthesis](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-3322077) (Reactome, 2026); [Galactose catabolism](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-70370) (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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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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