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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

In vitro tRNA Methylation Assay with the Entamoeba histolytica DNA and tRNA Methyltransferase Dnmt2 (Ehmeth) Enzyme
Published on: October 19, 2010
Pyrimidine metabolism in Trichomonas vaginalis
Abstract:
Pyrimidine metabolism in Trichomonas vaginalis was investigated using washed cell suspensions of the organism with radiolabelled pyrimidine ring precursors and preformed pyrimidines. The precursors [14C]orotate, [14C]bicarbonate and [14C]aspartate were not incorporated into the pyrimidine bases of trichomonal nucleic acids, indicating that the protozoan is unable to synthesise the pyrimidine ring and is dependent on the salvage of exogenous pyrimidines. [3H]uracil, [3H]uridine, [3H]cytidine, deoxy[3H]cytidine and [3H]thymidine were all efficiently salvaged, and interconversion between cytosine and uracil nucleotides was detected. Thymidylate synthase activity was not detected, suggesting that T. vaginalis is dependent upon an exogenous supply of thymidine for TMP synthesis.
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