MALATE DEHYDROGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Malate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism by catalyzing the reversible conversion of malate to oxaloacetate in a redox reaction. It is an essential enzyme found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, participating in various metabolic pathways.
Malate dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is responsible for generating energy through the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. As part of this cycle, malate dehydrogenase helps to convert malate, a four-carbon molecule, into oxaloacetate, a critical intermediate that combines with acetyl-CoA to initiate the citric acid cycle.
This enzyme is also involved in gluconeogenesis, the process by which cells synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids, lactate, or glycerol. In gluconeogenesis, malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of malate to oxaloacetate, which is subsequently converted to phosphoenolpyruvate and then to glucose.
In addition to its role in these metabolic pathways, malate dehydrogenase is an important enzyme in the redox balance of cells, as it is involved in the transfer of electrons from malate to an electron carrier molecule, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), resulting in the production of NADH.
Overall, malate dehydrogenase is a central enzyme in metabolic processes that contribute to energy production, carbon flux, and redox homeostasis in living organisms.
Common Misspellings for MALATE DEHYDROGENASE
- nalate dehydrogenase
- kalate dehydrogenase
- jalate dehydrogenase
- mzlate dehydrogenase
- mslate dehydrogenase
- mwlate dehydrogenase
- mqlate dehydrogenase
- makate dehydrogenase
- mapate dehydrogenase
- maoate dehydrogenase
- malzte dehydrogenase
- malste dehydrogenase
- malwte dehydrogenase
- malqte dehydrogenase
- malare dehydrogenase
- malafe dehydrogenase
- malage dehydrogenase
- malaye dehydrogenase
- mala6e dehydrogenase
- mala5e dehydrogenase
Etymology of MALATE DEHYDROGENASE
The word "Malate Dehydrogenase" is a compound word that consists of two parts: "malate" and "dehydrogenase".
1. Malate: The term "malate" comes from the Latin word "malum", meaning "apple". It is derived from the acidic properties of apple juice. In the context of biochemistry, "malate" refers to the salt or ester of malic acid, a dicarboxylic acid. Malic acid is found in various fruits, including apples, and is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) that takes place within living organisms.
2. Dehydrogenase: The term "dehydrogenase" is derived from the Greek word "dehydro", meaning "without hydrogen", and the suffix "-ase", referring to an enzyme.
