How Do You Spell HYDROXYLASE?

Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪdɹəksˌɪle͡ɪs] (IPA)

Hydroxylase is an enzyme involved in adding hydroxyl groups to molecules. The word is spelled as h-aɪ-d-r-ɑː-k-s-ɪ-l-eɪ-s, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to break down each letter's corresponding sound. The "h" at the beginning denotes a voiceless glottal fricative, while the "y" is pronounced as a voiced palatal glide. The "x" is equivalent to a voiceless velar fricative, and the "ɪ" is an "ih" sound. The final "eɪ" is pronounced as a diphthong, resulting in the long sound of "ay".

HYDROXYLASE Meaning and Definition

1. Hydroxylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the addition of a hydroxyl group (-OH) to a specific substrate molecule. This process is known as hydroxylation. Hydroxylases play a vital role in various biochemical pathways and reactions within living organisms.

   The addition of a hydroxyl group to a substrate by hydroxylase enzymes is typically achieved by utilizing molecular oxygen (O2) and a co-factor such as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or iron. These enzymes are essential in many biological processes, including the metabolism of drugs, hormones, and toxins.

   One significant example of a hydroxylase is the cytochrome P450 hydroxylase superfamily. This superfamily consists of a diverse group of enzymes found in various organisms, including humans. Cytochrome P450 hydroxylases are involved in the metabolism of many endogenous compounds, such as fatty acids and cholesterol, as well as exogenous substances like drugs and environmental toxins.

   The hydroxylase enzyme's catalytic activity has immense physiological and pharmacological implications. It can influence the structure, function, and activity of the substrate molecule, leading to altered biological effects. Hydroxylases are crucial in the production of biologically active compounds, clearance of harmful substances, and regulation of cell signaling pathways.

   In summary, hydroxylase is an enzyme that enables the addition of a hydroxyl group to a specific molecule. This enzymatic process, known as hydroxylation, is vital for various biological reactions and pathways, including drug metabolism and toxin clearance.

Etymology of HYDROXYLASE

The word "hydroxylase" is derived from the combination of two root words: "hydroxy" and "lase".

1. "Hydroxy-" comes from the chemical term "hydroxyl", referring to a functional group composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom (OH) that is typically bonded to a carbon atom in an organic compound.

2. "-Lase" is derived from the verb "to lase", which means to convert light energy into a coherent beam of light using a laser.

When combined, "hydroxylase" refers to an enzyme or protein that catalyzes a chemical reaction involving the addition or removal of a hydroxyl group (OH) from a substrate molecule.