HYPOXANTHINE DEHYDROGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Hypoxanthine dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the purine metabolism pathway, specifically in the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine. This enzymatic reaction is a key step in the degradation of purine nucleotides, ultimately leading to the production of uric acid in humans.
Hypoxanthine dehydrogenase is classified as an oxidoreductase enzyme, as it catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine while reducing NAD+ to NADH. This redox reaction occurs in the cytoplasm of various cell types, including liver, kidney, and intestine.
The activity of hypoxanthine dehydrogenase is particularly important in the regulation of purine nucleotide levels in the body. By converting hypoxanthine to xanthine, this enzyme prevents the accumulation of hypoxanthine, which could lead to the formation of excessive uric acid. Abnormal levels of uric acid in the body can result in hyperuricemia, a condition associated with gout and kidney stones.
Deficiencies or mutations in hypoxanthine dehydrogenase can lead to the rare genetic disorder known as type I xanthinuria. In individuals with this condition, the enzyme is either absent or dysfunctional, resulting in the excessive excretion of xanthine in urine. This can lead to the formation of xanthine stones in the urinary tract and may cause renal complications.
In summary, hypoxanthine dehydrogenase is a vital enzyme involved in the metabolism of purine nucleotides. Its role in converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and maintaining normal uric acid levels highlights its importance in maintaining proper physiological function.
Common Misspellings for HYPOXANTHINE DEHYDROGENASE
- gypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- bypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- nypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- jypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- uypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- yypoxanthine dehydrogenase
- htpoxanthine dehydrogenase
- hgpoxanthine dehydrogenase
- hhpoxanthine dehydrogenase
- hupoxanthine dehydrogenase
- h7poxanthine dehydrogenase
- h6poxanthine dehydrogenase
- hyooxanthine dehydrogenase
- hyloxanthine dehydrogenase
- hy-oxanthine dehydrogenase
- hy0oxanthine dehydrogenase
- hypixanthine dehydrogenase
- hypkxanthine dehydrogenase
- hyplxanthine dehydrogenase
- hyppxanthine dehydrogenase
Etymology of HYPOXANTHINE DEHYDROGENASE
The word "Hypoxanthine Dehydrogenase" is a scientific term that originated from Greek and Latin roots. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Hypoxanthine: The word "hypoxanthine" comes from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" and "xanthos" meaning "yellow". Hypoxanthine is a substance with a yellow color that is derived from purine, a type of organic compound.
2. Dehydrogenase: The term "dehydrogenase" stems from the combination of the Latin words "dehydron" meaning "water remover" and the suffix "-ase" used to indicate an enzyme. Dehydrogenase is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the removal of hydrogen atoms (and associated electrons) from a substrate.
