Question

Question: How do the structures of tetrahydrofolate and aminopterin differ?

Short answer

These structures differ by an amino group in tetrahydrofolate and keto group in aminopterin

Step-by-step solution

Tetrahydrofolate and aminopterin drugs

Aminopterin is an anticancer drug, an example of competitive inhibitor. Tetrahydrofolate is the coenzyme derived from reduction of two double bonds from folic acid.The coenzyme is used with enzymes that require transfer of a group containing one carbon to their substrates.

Difference in the structure of given drugs

The only difference between two drugs is there is an amino group in 4th position of tetrahydrofolate whereas in aminopterin 4^th position is occupied by keto group.

Thus, the structure difference in between tetrahydrofolate and aminopterin is shown above.