DEHYDROGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Dehydrogenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen (H) atoms from a molecule, leading to the formation of a double bond or the reduction of an electron acceptor. It is a class of oxidoreductases, which are enzymes involved in redox reactions, specifically those involving the transfer of electrons between molecules.
The name "dehydrogenase" is derived from the fact that these enzymes are responsible for the removal (or loss) of hydrogen atoms during metabolic processes. They play a crucial role in various aspects of cellular metabolism, including energy production, biosynthesis of molecules, and detoxification.
Dehydrogenases are found in all living organisms, including bacteria, archaea, plants, and animals. They are classified based on the specific substrate they act upon, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, which removes hydrogen atoms from alcohols, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, involved in glucose metabolism.
These enzymes typically require a cofactor, such as NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) or NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), to accept the released hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen atoms are then used to transfer electrons to another molecule, which may serve as a final electron acceptor for energy production or be involved in other biochemical reactions.
Overall, dehydrogenases play a vital role in the regulation of various metabolic pathways and are essential for the proper functioning and survival of living organisms.
Common Misspellings for DEHYDROGENASE
Etymology of DEHYDROGENASE
The word "dehydrogenase" is derived from the combination of two components: "dehydro" and "genase".
1. "Dehydro" comes from the Greek prefix "de-", which means "removal" or "absence of". In the context of "dehydrogenase", "dehydro" implies the removal or absence of hydrogen atoms.
2. "Genase" is derived from the Greek word "zyme" (meaning "enzyme") and combined with the Latin suffix "-gen" (which means "producer" or "generator"). It denotes an enzyme that produces or generates a specific chemical reaction.
Thus, "dehydrogenase" refers to an enzyme that influences or mediates a chemical reaction involving the removal of hydrogen atoms.
