CARBOXYLESTERASES Meaning and
Definition
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Carboxylesterases are a class of enzymes that play a key role in the hydrolysis of carboxylic ester compounds. They are a subgroup of esterases, which are enzymes responsible for the breakdown of ester molecules into their component parts. Carboxylesterases primarily function in the metabolism and detoxification of drugs, as well as the degradation of endogenous compounds.
These enzymes reside in various tissues and cells throughout the body, such as the liver, intestines, and adipose tissue. They are involved in the biotransformation of a wide range of substrates, including ester prodrugs, which are inactive compounds that are converted into active drugs upon administration. Carboxylesterases facilitate the conversion of these prodrugs into their active form through the hydrolysis of the ester bond.
Moreover, carboxylesterases participate in the metabolism of numerous xenobiotics, including pesticides, environmental pollutants, and carcinogens. They contribute to the detoxification process by converting these foreign substances into more easily excretable forms. Additionally, some carboxylesterases are involved in the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, which regulates various physiological processes in the nervous system.
Due to their involvement in drug metabolism and detoxification processes, carboxylesterases have attracted significant attention in the field of pharmacology. Understanding the role of these enzymes in drug metabolism is crucial for optimizing drug delivery, enhancing drug efficacy, and minimizing adverse effects. In summary, carboxylesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of carboxylic ester compounds, playing a critical role in drug metabolism, detoxification, and the degradation of endogenous substances.
Common Misspellings for CARBOXYLESTERASES
- xarboxylesterases
- varboxylesterases
- farboxylesterases
- darboxylesterases
- czrboxylesterases
- csrboxylesterases
- cwrboxylesterases
- cqrboxylesterases
- caeboxylesterases
- cadboxylesterases
- cafboxylesterases
- catboxylesterases
- ca5boxylesterases
- ca4boxylesterases
- carvoxylesterases
- carnoxylesterases
- carhoxylesterases
- cargoxylesterases
- carbixylesterases
- carbkxylesterases
Etymology of CARBOXYLESTERASES
The word "carboxylesterases" is derived from the combination of three components: "carboxyl", "ester", and "ases".
1. Carboxyl: The term "carboxyl" refers to the functional group (-COOH) present in carboxylic acids. This group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. The word "carboxyl" is derived from the combination of "carb-" (from "carbonyl") and "oxyl" (from "hydroxyl").
2. Ester: An ester is a type of organic compound that originates from the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, resulting in the formation of an ester functional group (-COOR).
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