What is "ribokinase"

n. (context enzyme English) A transferase enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction ''ATP + D-ribose $rightleftharpoons$ ADP + D-ribose 5-phosphate''.

In enzymology, a ribokinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction

ATP + D-ribose $\rightleftharpoons$ ADP + D-ribose 5-phosphate

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are ATP and D-ribose, whereas its two products are ADP and D-ribose 5-phosphate.

This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups ( phosphotransferases) with an alcohol group as acceptor. The systematic name of this enzyme class is ATP:D-ribose 5-phosphotransferase. Other names in common use include deoxyribokinase, ribokinase (phosphorylating), and D-ribokinase. This enzyme participates in pentose phosphate pathway.