LIPOXYGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Lipoxygenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the insertion of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in the formation of various biologically active compounds called leukotrienes, lipoxins, and hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs). It plays a crucial role in the oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and is widely distributed throughout different organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
The lipoxygenase enzyme acts on polyunsaturated fatty acids containing between 18 and 20 carbons with multiple double bonds. It cleaves these fatty acids at specific carbon positions and introduces molecular oxygen into the resulting fragments. This oxygenation reaction leads to the formation of highly reactive intermediates that can further undergo different enzymes-mediated transformations, resulting in the synthesis of various signaling molecules involved in inflammation, immune responses, and other physiological processes.
In plants, lipoxygenases are primarily involved in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid, which regulates plant growth, development, and defense responses against pathogens. In animals, lipoxygenases are crucial in the production of leukotrienes, which mediate various inflammatory responses, particularly in asthma and other allergic reactions. They also play a role in regulating blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and the immune system's functioning.
The study of lipoxygenases and their inhibitors has garnered significant interest in pharmaceutical research due to their potential therapeutic applications. Inhibitors of lipoxygenase activity are currently being investigated for their potential use in the treatment of various diseases, including inflammation-related disorders and certain types of cancer.
Common Misspellings for LIPOXYGENASE
- kipoxygenase
- pipoxygenase
- oipoxygenase
- lupoxygenase
- ljpoxygenase
- lkpoxygenase
- lopoxygenase
- l9poxygenase
- l8poxygenase
- liooxygenase
- liloxygenase
- li-oxygenase
- li0oxygenase
- lipixygenase
- lipkxygenase
- liplxygenase
- lippxygenase
- lip0xygenase
- lip9xygenase
- lipozygenase
Etymology of LIPOXYGENASE
The word "lipoxygenase" is derived from two roots: "lipo-" and "-oxygenase".
1. "Lipo-" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", which means "fat" or "lipid". It refers to the fact that lipoxygenases catalyze reactions involving lipids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids.
2. "-Oxygenase" is a common suffix in biochemistry that denotes an enzyme involved in oxygenation reactions. It is derived from the word "oxygen", which comes from the Greek word "oxy-" meaning "sharp" or "acid" and "-genēs" meaning "born" or "producing".
Therefore, the combined term "lipoxygenase" describes an enzyme that is involved in the oxygenation of lipids or fatty acids.
