HAEM OXYGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Haem oxygenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the breakdown of heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. It is responsible for catalyzing the first and rate-limiting step of heme degradation. This enzyme system converts heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and free iron.
The process of heme breakdown begins with the binding of the heme molecule to haem oxygenase, which then cleaves the heme ring through a reaction called heme oxygenation. This reaction leads to the generation of biliverdin, a green pigment that is then converted into bilirubin by the enzyme biliverdin reductase. Biliverdin and bilirubin are essential for the excretion of waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver.
Besides the production of biliverdin, haem oxygenase also generates carbon monoxide and free iron as byproducts. Carbon monoxide acts as a signaling molecule in various biological processes, including blood vessel dilation, neurotransmission, and anti-inflammatory responses. The release of free iron is essential for its subsequent utilization in physiological processes, such as the synthesis of new hemoglobin.
Overall, haem oxygenase is a crucial enzyme involved in the breakdown of heme, leading to the production of biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and free iron. Its activity is essential for the recycling and excretion of heme products, as well as the regulation of various physiological processes.
Common Misspellings for HAEM OXYGENASE
- gaem oxygenase
- baem oxygenase
- naem oxygenase
- jaem oxygenase
- uaem oxygenase
- yaem oxygenase
- hzem oxygenase
- hsem oxygenase
- hwem oxygenase
- hqem oxygenase
- hawm oxygenase
- hasm oxygenase
- hadm oxygenase
- harm oxygenase
- ha4m oxygenase
- ha3m oxygenase
- haen oxygenase
- haek oxygenase
- haej oxygenase
- haem ixygenase
Etymology of HAEM OXYGENASE
The word "haem oxygenase" is derived from a combination of Greek and Latin words.
"Haem" comes from the Greek word "haima" meaning blood. It refers to the iron-containing molecule called heme, which is an essential component of hemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.
"Oxygenase" is derived from the Latin word "oxy", which means oxygen, and the suffix "-genase" derived from the Greek word "genesis", meaning production or generation. It refers to the enzyme's role in generating or producing oxygen molecules.
Therefore, the term "haem oxygenase" describes an enzyme that breaks down or degrades heme, releasing iron and producing oxygen.
Similar spelling words for HAEM OXYGENASE
