5-FOA Monohydrate

Used as a research tool in molecular genetics. Employed in the selection of resistant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that possess a mutant URA3 gene which renders them orotidine-5-phosphate decarboxylase deficient. 5-FOA is converted 5-fluorouridine monophosphate (5-FUMP) in yeast cells, which can become incorporated into RNA or metabolized to the highly toxic 5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine monophosphate (5-FdUMP). 5-FdUMP is a potential inhibitor of thyidylate Sythase (TS), causing a cessation in DNA synthesis.

Specification:

Synonyms: 5-FOA; FOA, 2,6-Dihydroxy-5-fluoropyrimidine-4-carboxylic Acid; 5-Fluorouracil-4-carboxylic Acid

Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

References: Kondo, S. et al., (1991) J. Bacteriology, 173 (23), 7698-7700.

Vidal, M. et al., (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93, 10321.

Appearance: Solid

Melting Point: ~285° C