FERROCHELATASE Meaning and
Definition
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Ferrochelatase is an enzyme that plays a key role in the process of heme biosynthesis. Heme is an essential molecule involved in many biological processes, particularly in the transport and storage of oxygen in the blood. Ferrochelatase is responsible for the insertion of iron into protoporphyrin IX during the final step of heme synthesis.
The enzyme ferrochelatase is found in various tissues, including the liver, bone marrow, and red blood cells. It uses iron ions and protoporphyrin IX as substrates to catalyze the formation of heme. Precisely, ferrochelatase facilitates the transfer of ferrous iron from its carrier molecule ferrochelatin to protoporphyrin IX, resulting in the production of heme.
Heme is essential for the function of many proteins, including hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are responsible for the binding and transportation of oxygen. It is also a crucial component of cytochromes, enzymes involved in cellular respiration and various metabolic reactions.
Mutations or deficiencies in the ferrochelatase gene can lead to a condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria, which is characterized by the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in tissues and sensitivity to light. This disorder can cause significant discomfort and skin problems for affected individuals.
Due to its role in heme biosynthesis, ferrochelatase is an important enzyme in maintaining proper oxygen transport and metabolism in cells and tissues. Its function is crucial for the overall health and normal functioning of the human body.
Common Misspellings for FERROCHELATASE
- Ferrochelatare
- Ferrochelatasu
- Ferrochelatasm
- Ferrochelatasa
- Ferrochelatasg
- fairochelatase
- fheirochelatase
- f errochelatase
- fe rrochelatase
- fer rochelatase
- ferr ochelatase
- ferro chelatase
- ferroc helatase
- ferroch elatase
- ferroche latase
- ferrochel atase
- ferrochela tase
- ferrochelat ase
- ferrochelata se
- ferrochelatas e
Etymology of FERROCHELATASE
The word "Ferrochelatase" is derived from the combination of two components: "ferro-" and "chelatase".
1. "Ferro-" comes from the Latin word "ferrum", which means "iron". It is used as a prefix to indicate the involvement or presence of iron in a compound or process.
2. "Chelatase" is derived from the word "chelate", which originates from the Greek word "chele" meaning "claw" or "pincer". In chemistry, a chelate refers to a complex formed when a metal ion is bonded to a ligand, creating a ring-like structure resembling a claw or pincer.
Therefore, "ferrochelatase" refers to an enzyme involved in the process of chelating or binding iron ions in a specific manner.
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