DEACETYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Deacetylase refers to a type of enzyme that catalyzes the removal of acetyl groups from molecules, such as proteins or other organic compounds. Acetyl groups are chemical functional groups composed of a methyl group linked to a carbonyl group, represented as -COCH3. These groups play crucial roles in various biological processes.
Deacetylases are particularly important in modifying proteins by removing acetyl groups from specific lysine residues. Lysine is one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins, and it can undergo a post-translational modification known as acetylation. Acetylation occurs when an acetyl group attaches to the lysine, altering its charge and structure. This modification plays a fundamental role in regulating protein function, gene expression, and numerous cellular processes.
Deacetylases function by breaking the acetyl-lysine bond, removing the acetyl group from the lysine residue. This action is often reversible, allowing deacetylases to dynamically regulate protein functions by adding or removing acetyl groups.
The removal of acetyl groups by deacetylases can have profound effects on gene expression and cellular processes. Deacetylation of histone proteins, for example, is essential for maintaining the compact and transcriptionally silent structure of chromatin, the material that makes up chromosomes. By deacetylating histones, deacetylases help regulate gene expression by inhibiting the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors and other proteins involved in gene activation.
Overall, deacetylases play a critical role in protein and gene regulation by removing acetyl groups, demonstrating their importance in various biological systems.
Common Misspellings for DEACETYLASE
- seacetylase
- xeacetylase
- ceacetylase
- feacetylase
- reacetylase
- eeacetylase
- dwacetylase
- dsacetylase
- ddacetylase
- dracetylase
- d4acetylase
- d3acetylase
- dezcetylase
- descetylase
- dewcetylase
- deqcetylase
- deaxetylase
- deavetylase
- deafetylase
- deadetylase
Etymology of DEACETYLASE
The word "deacetylase" is derived from a combination of the prefix "de-", denoting removal or reversal, and the word "acetylase". The term "acetylase" is derived from the word "acetyl" and the suffix "-ase".
The word "acetyl" comes from the Latin word "acetum", meaning "vinegar", which in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ak- meaning "sharp" or "spicy". The suffix "-yl" signifies a radical derived from an acid, and "acetyl" specifically refers to the radical derived from acetic acid.
The suffix "-ase" is used to name enzymes and comes from the Greek suffix "-asis", denoting "process" or "action". So when combined, "acetylase" refers to an enzyme involved in the modification or addition of acetyl groups to a substrate.
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