BASEBiological Archive
for Science & Education
Search
HomeMetabolismIsopentenyl diphosphate
MoleculeMETABOLITE RECORD

Isopentenyl diphosphate

A five-carbon activated isoprene unit used to build larger isoprenoids.

5-carbon moleculeCholesterol biosynthesisHomo sapiens
REFERENCE IDENTIFIERCHEBI:16584ChEBI record
BUILD UP YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Learn about Isopentenyl diphosphate

Isopentenyl diphosphate is a small molecule that cells make, use, or change in connected metabolic reactions.

Start here for the main idea. Choose Learn for reactions and connections.

Record type: molecule. A five-carbon activated isoprene unit used to build larger isoprenoids.
QUICK FACTS

At a glance

Carbon backbone 5 CThis carbon count is shown where it is defined for the molecule.

FOLLOW THE BIOLOGY

Connected records

4 links
Used and produced inCholesterol biosynthesisHandled byMevalonate diphosphate decarboxylaseHandled byIsopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomeraseHandled byFarnesyl diphosphate synthase
STRUCTURED REACTIONS

Where it appears

Open metabolism map
6

Isopentenyl diphosphate formation

Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase produces the five-carbon isoprene unit IPP.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · irreversible
7

IPP isomerization

IPP isomerase supplies dimethylallyl diphosphate for chain initiation.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · reversible
8

Geranyl diphosphate formation

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase adds IPP to DMAPP to form a ten-carbon intermediate.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · irreversible
9

Farnesyl diphosphate formation

A second IPP addition forms the 15-carbon farnesyl diphosphate.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · irreversible