dUTP is a deoxyribonucleotide intermediate in pyrimidine biosynthesis that is produced by phosphorylation of dUDP. dUTP is quickly cleaved in cells by dUTPase to yield dUMP. This reaction is part of the de novo synthetic pathway for dTTP. Removal of dUTP quickly is important in cells, because the uracil base can be incorporated into DNA opposite adenines in DNA.