This chapter provides a brief review of the important biosynthetic pathways
frequently targeted by pharmaceutical interventions. The biosynthetic pathways
discussed in this chapter include: eicosanoid biosynthesis (prostaglandins, prostacyclins
and leukotrienes), epinephrine and norepinephrine biosynthesis, folic acid biosynthesis,
steroid biosynthesis (cholesterol, adrenocorticoids and sex hormones) and nucleic acid
biosynthesis (purines and pyrimidines anabolism, catabolism and salvages). After
studying this chapter, students will be able to:
• Highlight important biosynthetic pathways frequently targeted by pharmaceutical
interventions
• Explain detail chemical steps of each of the biosynthetic pathways
• Apply the chemical principles in the regulations of each of the pathways and relevant
mechanisms of drug action
• Define the monomer units of the biomolecules and their chemical properties
• Comprehend the significance of biosynthetic pathways in different diseased states
Keywords: Biosynthetic pathways, Eicosanoid, Norepinephrine, Folic acid,
Steroids, Nucleic acids, Regulations of biosynthesis.
