One step from serine: the side-chain carbon is handed to tetrahydrofolate
Route: Serine → Glycine
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase, with pyridoxal phosphate, cuts the bond between the alpha carbon and the side-chain carbon. The side-chain carbon leaves as a one-carbon unit on tetrahydrofolate (THF), and what remains of serine is glycine. The one-carbon units made by this enzyme are used in the synthesis of methionine, purines and pyrimidines. The reaction runs in both directions.
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| Step | Enzyme | EC | In | Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serine hydroxymethyltransferase | 2.1.2.1 | THF | 5,10-CH₂-THF, H₂O |
Enzyme names and EC numbers are those used on the interactive board. Checked against sources: see the claim table in the repository (tools/pathway_data/checks).