GULOP - gulonolactone (L-) oxidase, pseudogene Gene

This gene is nonfunctional in humans and Other primates. In most mammalian species the corresponding gene encodes L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase which catalyzes the last step of ascorbic acid biosynthesis. The human gene is a remnant that lacks five of twelve exons found in functional rodent genes. The loss of enzyme activity results in hypoascorbemia or the inability to synthesize vitamin C. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2010]