CHOLESTEROL OXIDASE Meaning and
Definition
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Cholesterol oxidase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of cholesterol. It is produced by certain microorganisms, primarily bacteria, and acts as a catalyst in the breakdown of cholesterol.
The enzyme cholesterol oxidase belongs to the oxidoreductase family, specifically the oxidases subfamily, and its function involves the catalyzation of the oxidation reaction of cholesterol. It achieves this by removing a hydrogen atom from the cholesterol molecule and transferring it to an electron acceptor, typically oxygen. As a result, the cholesterol molecule is converted into cholest-4-en-3-one, often referred to as cholestenone.
Cholesterol oxidase is commonly utilized in biochemical research, diagnostic testing, and industrial applications due to its ability to accurately quantify cholesterol levels. It is often employed in laboratory assays to measure cholesterol concentrations in various samples, such as blood, serum, or food products. Additionally, it has been used in the development of biosensors and diagnostic devices for the detection of cholesterol.
The enzyme's specificity for cholesterol makes it a valuable tool in various biotechnological processes, including the production of steroid drugs and the removal of cholesterol from industrial effluents. Its versatility and importance in different fields make cholesterol oxidase an essential enzyme with numerous applications in research, medicine, and industry.
Common Misspellings for CHOLESTEROL OXIDASE
- xholesterol oxidase
- vholesterol oxidase
- fholesterol oxidase
- dholesterol oxidase
- cgolesterol oxidase
- cbolesterol oxidase
- cnolesterol oxidase
- cjolesterol oxidase
- cuolesterol oxidase
- cyolesterol oxidase
- chilesterol oxidase
- chklesterol oxidase
- chllesterol oxidase
- chplesterol oxidase
- ch0lesterol oxidase
- ch9lesterol oxidase
- chokesterol oxidase
- chopesterol oxidase
- chooesterol oxidase
- cholwsterol oxidase
Etymology of CHOLESTEROL OXIDASE
The etymology of the word "cholesterol oxidase" can be broken down as follows:
1. Cholesterol: The term "cholesterol" originated from the Greek words "chole" (meaning bile) and "sterol" (referring to a type of solid, fat-like substance). It was coined by the German chemist Heinrich Pollak in 1891. The name reflects the fact that cholesterol was first isolated from gallstones.
2. Oxidase: The term "oxidase" is derived from the word "oxidize". "Oxidize" comes from the Late Latin word "oxidare", which means "to combine with oxygen". The suffix "-ase" indicates an enzyme, which is a substance that facilitates a specific chemical reaction.
Therefore, "cholesterol oxidase" refers to an enzyme that aids in the oxidation of cholesterol, converting it into a different chemical compound.
