DECARBOXYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Decarboxylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process, known as decarboxylation, is an essential step in various biochemical reactions.
Decarboxylases play a crucial role in the conversion of certain organic compounds, particularly amino acids and carboxylic acids, into different chemical species. These enzymes participate in numerous metabolic pathways, serving as catalysts for the removal of carboxyl groups from specific substrates.
In the context of amino acids, decarboxylases are involved in the synthesis of biogenic amines such as serotonin, dopamine, and histamine. These enzymes convert the respective amino acids into their corresponding amine forms, while simultaneously releasing CO2. This conversion is important for a variety of physiological processes like neurotransmission and regulation of blood pressure.
Furthermore, decarboxylases are also found in various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, where they play a crucial role in biodegradation and fermentation processes. For instance, certain bacteria utilize decarboxylases to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler molecules such as lactic acid or ethanol.
Overall, decarboxylases are key enzymes involved in the biochemical conversion of organic compounds, facilitating important metabolic reactions by removing carboxyl groups and releasing carbon dioxide.
Common Misspellings for DECARBOXYLASE
- secarboxylase
- xecarboxylase
- cecarboxylase
- fecarboxylase
- recarboxylase
- eecarboxylase
- dwcarboxylase
- dscarboxylase
- ddcarboxylase
- drcarboxylase
- d4carboxylase
- d3carboxylase
- dexarboxylase
- devarboxylase
- defarboxylase
- dedarboxylase
- deczrboxylase
- decsrboxylase
- decwrboxylase
Etymology of DECARBOXYLASE
The word "decarboxylase" is derived from the combination of two components: "decarboxy-" and "-lase".
1. "Decarboxy-" comes from the Greek prefix "deka-" meaning "ten" or "tenfold", combined with the word "carboxy-" derived from "carboxyl" which refers to the functional group "-COOH" found in organic compounds.
2. "-lase" is a suffix commonly used in biology to denote an enzyme or protein that catalyzes a specific biological reaction.
Therefore, "decarboxylase" specifically refers to an enzyme capable of catalyzing the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule from an organic compound.
Similar spelling words for DECARBOXYLASE
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