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Short answer
Deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) is the guanine-carrying member of the four deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) that cells and laboratory reactions use to build DNA. ChEBI defines it as a purine 2′-deoxyribonucleoside 5′-triphosphate whose nucleobase is guanine. In a PCR it is supplied together with dATP, dCTP and dTTP, normally in equal amounts.
Definition and scope
dGTP has the formula C10H16N5O13P3 and an average mass of 507.182. Its systematic name is 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-(tetrahydrogen triphosphate) (ChEBI:16497). It is a metabolite in organisms ranging from E. coli and yeast to plants, mice and humans, so the same molecule appears both in cell biology papers and on reagent labels.
Names you will see for the same molecule
Papers, databases and supplier catalogues use different labels for dGTP. The ChEBI entry lists these synonyms:
- dGTP (the usual abbreviation)
- deoxyguanosine triphosphate
- 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate
- deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate
- 2′-deoxy-GTP and deoxy-GTP
“dGTPs” is simply the plural, used when a text means several molecules or several stocks of the nucleotide. It does not name a different compound.
How dGTP is used in practice
In cells
dGTP is a nucleotide precursor for DNA synthesis. Its level is actively controlled. In E. coli, the dgt gene encodes a dGTPase that catalyses the hydrolysis of dGTP to deoxyguanosine and triphosphate (Itsko and Schaaper, 2011). Earlier work cited in that paper found that deleting dgt raises cellular dGTP about twofold, while overexpressing it lowers dGTP. The same paper reports that the dgt pathway interacts with thymine metabolism in thyA strains. The practical point for a reader is that a free dGTP pool is not a passive reagent bottle: cells keep it in balance with enzymes.
In a PCR
Thermo Fisher’s PCR component guidance states that the four dNTPs are typically added in equimolar amounts for optimal base incorporation, and that the recommended final concentration of each dNTP is generally 0.2 mM. It adds that free dNTPs need at least 0.010 to 0.015 mM, their estimated Km, for efficient incorporation. dGTP is one of the four, so a “dNTP mix” label means dGTP is already included alongside the other three. For where a dNTP mix sits among the other reaction components, see our guide to master mix in PCR and the walkthrough of PCR protocol basics. The Sanger sequencing guide covers the sequencing context.
Related nucleotides: dGTP compared with GTP
The nearest look-alike is GTP, and the two are often confused in catalogues and search results. The comparison below draws on the ChEBI entry for each compound.
| Feature | dGTP | GTP |
|---|---|---|
| ChEBI entry | CHEBI:16497 | CHEBI:15996 |
| Formula | C10H16N5O13P3 | C10H16N5O14P3 |
| Classification | Purine 2′-deoxyribonucleoside 5′-triphosphate | Purine ribonucleoside 5′-triphosphate |
| Systematic name | 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-(tetrahydrogen triphosphate) | guanosine 5′-(tetrahydrogen triphosphate) |
The one-oxygen difference in the formula reflects the missing 2′ hydroxyl on the deoxyribose sugar. The other three DNA building blocks, dATP, dCTP and dTTP, complete the standard set that dGTP belongs to.
Where it matters for labs and supply decisions
- Concentration is stated per nucleotide. Thermo Fisher gives its generally recommended 0.2 mM as the final concentration of each dNTP, and notes the four are normally added in equimolar amounts.
- Keep the four balanced unless imbalance is the goal. Thermo Fisher notes that unbalanced dNTP concentrations are supplied deliberately to promote misincorporation, for example in random mutagenesis by PCR.
- Mind magnesium and excess. The same guidance says Mg2+ binds dNTPs and reduces their availability, so higher dNTP levels may be needed when Mg2+ is high, while dNTPs above the optimal level can inhibit PCR.
Common misunderstandings
dGTP is not GTP
GTP is a ribonucleotide and dGTP is a deoxyribonucleotide, as the ChEBI classifications above show. Reagent searches that return one for the other point at a different molecule.
dGTPs is not a separate compound
The plural refers to multiple molecules or stocks, not a different nucleotide.
More dGTP is not better
Excess dNTPs can inhibit PCR, and a dGTP level out of step with the other three counts as unbalanced.
FAQ
What does dGTP stand for?
Deoxyguanosine triphosphate, also written 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate.
What is dGTP used for?
It is a nucleotide precursor for DNA synthesis in cells, and it is one of the four dNTPs added to PCR reactions.
Is dGTP the same as dNTP?
No. dNTP is the general term for the four deoxynucleoside triphosphates; dGTP is the guanine one.
How much dGTP goes into a PCR?
Thermo Fisher’s guidance gives a generally recommended final concentration of 0.2 mM for each dNTP, dGTP included. Follow the polymerase manufacturer’s protocol for your enzyme.
Sources
- ChEBI, dGTP (CHEBI:16497) and GTP (CHEBI:15996), checked 2026-10-29.
- Itsko M, Schaaper RM. 2011. Molecular Microbiology 81(5):1221-1232, PMC3195379, checked 2026-10-29.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, PCR Setup: Six Critical Components to Consider, checked 2026-10-29.
