As a group, Pyrimidines are often synthesized by principal synthesis
that involves cyclization of β-dicarbonyl with N- C- N compounds.
In mammalian cells, the last step of pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis involves the conversion of orotate to uridine monophosphate synthase(UMPS)
and is catalysed by UMP synthase enzyme.
It is a pyrimidine derivative, with a heterocyclic aromatic ring
and two substituents attached an amine group at position 4 and a keto group at position 2.
The mechanism by which UVB induces these cancers is
well understood-absorption of UVB radiation causes the pyrimidine bases in the DNA molecule to form dimers,
resulting in transcription errors when the DNA replicates.
Extensive experimentation also showed that indeed purines and Pyrimidines( the nitrogen containing bases that we know
today which form the structure of nucleic acids) can be synthesised starting from substances like ammonium cyanide.
The next step leading to the eventual formation of nucleic acids and proteins, namely the formation of nudeotides(
purine or pyrimidine- f sugar + phosphate)
and peptides( amino acids linked to one another) has also been demonstrated in the laboratory.
The synthesis of the elementary building blocks of nucleic acids and proteins( purines, Pyrimidines, sugar, and amino acids)
can readily be demonstrated in aqueous solutions of simple molecules like cyanides, formaldehyde and methane known to be abundant in outer space.