1. Pyrimidine nucleotides are synthesized through a simpler process than purines, using aspartate, glutamine and CO2 to form the pyrimidine ring.
2. The ring is first synthesized and then attached to ribose-5-phosphate, unlike purines which are built upon pre-existing ribose-5-phosphate.
3. Uridine monophosphate (UMP) is the first true pyrimidine ribonucleotide formed through a series of reactions, and is later phosphorylated to form other pyrimidine nucleotides.