MANNOSIDASES Meaning and
Definition
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Mannosidases are a group of enzymes that play a critical role in the breakdown and metabolism of carbohydrates in living organisms. These enzymes belong to the glycoside hydrolase family and specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond between mannose sugar units in complex carbohydrate molecules.
The process of mannose degradation involves sequential hydrolysis of mannose-containing compounds, leading to the formation of smaller units such as disaccharides or monosaccharides. Mannosidases cleave these glycosidic bonds by adding a molecule of water, resulting in the release of mannose residues and the production of smaller, more easily metabolized molecules.
Mannosidases are found in various organisms, including bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals. They are primarily located in the lysosomes, which are membrane-bound structures responsible for intracellular digestion and waste removal. Within the lysosomes, mannosidases contribute to the breakdown of complex glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids, into simpler forms that can be used for energy production or recycled.
Deficiency or malfunction of mannosidases can lead to a range of metabolic disorders, collectively known as mannosidoses. These genetic disorders are characterized by the accumulation of undigested mannose-containing compounds within cells, leading to various symptoms such as developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities, and organ dysfunction.
In summary, mannosidases are enzymes involved in the stepwise degradation of mannose-containing carbohydrates through hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds. They are crucial for proper carbohydrate metabolism and their dysfunction can lead to metabolic disorders.
Common Misspellings for MANNOSIDASES
- nannosidases
- kannosidases
- jannosidases
- mznnosidases
- msnnosidases
- mwnnosidases
- mqnnosidases
- mabnosidases
- mamnosidases
- majnosidases
- mahnosidases
- manbosidases
- manmosidases
- manjosidases
- manhosidases
- mannisidases
- mannksidases
- mannlsidases
- mannpsidases
- mann0sidases
Etymology of MANNOSIDASES
The word "mannosidases" has its etymology rooted in two main components: "mannose" and "idase".
1. Mannose: Mannose is a type of sugar, specifically a hexose monosaccharide, which is classified as an aldohexose. It occurs naturally in various plants, fruits, and human metabolism. The term "mannose" is derived from the German word "Mannit", meaning mannitol, a sugar alcohol found in manna gum resin.
2. -idase: The suffix "-idase" is commonly used in biology to denote enzymes, particularly hydrolases. It is derived from the Greek word "ídatos", meaning "watered" or "liquified", referencing the hydrolytic nature of these enzymes.
