HYDROXYLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Hydroxylation is a chemical process that involves the addition of a hydroxyl group (-OH) to a molecule or compound. The hydroxyl group is composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, and it is added to another atom or group in a chemical reaction.
Hydroxylation is an important type of biological modification that occurs in various living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, such as metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of various compounds. For example, in the human body, hydroxylation reactions are involved in the metabolism of drugs, hormones, and vitamins.
Hydroxylation reactions are typically mediated by enzymes called hydroxylases. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of a hydroxyl group from a donor molecule, such as oxygen or water, to the target molecule. Hydroxylases can be highly specific, targeting certain substrates or groups, or they can act more promiscuously, accepting a wide range of molecules for hydroxylation.
The addition of a hydroxyl group through hydroxylation can introduce new functional groups, alter the chemical properties of the target molecule, or facilitate further reactions. This modification often leads to changes in the molecule's solubility, reactivity, or biological activity.
Overall, hydroxylation is a versatile and essential chemical process, both in nature and in the laboratory, that contributes to the structural diversity and functionality of various molecules. Its significance ranges from biological processes in living organisms to the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Common Misspellings for HYDROXYLATION
Etymology of HYDROXYLATION
The word "hydroxylation" is derived from the combination of two terms: "hydroxy" and "lation".
The term "hydroxy" refers to the hydroxyl group (-OH), which consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom bonded covalently. It is commonly found in organic compounds, including alcohols and carbohydrates.
The second part of the word, "lation", comes from the Latin word "latio", which means "to bear" or "to carry". In chemistry, the suffix "-ation" is often added to a root word to indicate the process or action of something.
Therefore, "hydroxylation" combines "hydroxy" referring to the hydroxyl group and "-lation" indicating the action or process of bearing or carrying the hydroxyl group. In a chemical context, hydroxylation refers to the introduction or addition of a hydroxyl group to a molecule or compound.
Similar spelling word for HYDROXYLATION
