The synthesis of the nucleotide-sugar UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) can occur via de novo or salvage pathways in the cytosol. In the de novo pathway, which is the main one, D-glucose, L-glutamine, acetyl-CoA and UTP are used to produce UDP-GlcNAc. In the salvage pathway glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine acquired from environmental sources or from the degradation of glycoconjugates can be used to produce UDP-GlcNAc. UDP-GlcNAc is a precursor for protein glycosylation and the biosynthesis of chitin, peptidoglycans and GPI-anchors. (Adapted from PMID:37107691.)