LIVER MICROSOME Meaning and
Definition
-
Liver microsome refers to a minute subcellular structure found in the liver tissue, specifically within the cells called hepatocytes. Microsomes are tiny vesicles formed during the process of homogenization, where cellular components are broken down into smaller pieces for further study. They consist of various intracellular organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. However, liver microsomes primarily refer to the microsomal fraction derived from the ER.
The ER is a network of tubular structures involved in the synthesis, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids. It plays a crucial role in drug metabolism and detoxification in the liver. Liver microsomes predominantly contain microsomal membrane vesicles from the smooth ER, which is responsible for lipid metabolism and synthesis of phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones.
Liver microsomes are vital tools in pharmacological and toxicological research. They possess various drug-metabolizing enzymes, including cytochrome P450 enzymes, flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs), and various transferases. These enzymes assist in the biotransformation and clearance of drugs and xenobiotics in the body. Researchers utilize liver microsomes to study drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds.
In summary, liver microsomes are ultrastructurally small vesicles derived from the ER in liver cells. They contain various enzymes involved in drug metabolism, making them important in pharmaceutical research and drug development.
Common Misspellings for LIVER MICROSOME
- kiver microsome
- piver microsome
- oiver microsome
- luver microsome
- ljver microsome
- lkver microsome
- lover microsome
- l9ver microsome
- l8ver microsome
- licer microsome
- liber microsome
- liger microsome
- lifer microsome
- livwr microsome
- livsr microsome
- livdr microsome
- livrr microsome
- liv4r microsome
- liv3r microsome
- livee microsome
Etymology of LIVER MICROSOME
The word "liver microsome" is formed by combining two parts: "liver" and "microsome".
- "Liver" refers to the large, reddish-brown organ found in vertebrates. It is responsible for various vital functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and metabolism. The term "liver" derives from the Old English word "lifere", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic term "librǭ". The origin of this word is uncertain, but it may have roots in the Proto-Indo-European language.
- "Microsome" is composed of two elements: "micro-" and "-some". "Micro-" originates from the Greek word "mikrós", meaning "small" or "tiny". It is widely used as a prefix to indicate something on a small scale.
