OXIDASE Meaning and
Definition
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Oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of various substances by incorporating oxygen molecules into them during chemical reactions. This class of enzymes is responsible for the transfer of electrons from a substance, known as the substrate, to an oxygen molecule, resulting in the formation of a new product. Oxidases play a crucial role in numerous metabolic processes in living organisms.
The mechanism of oxidase activity involves the transfer of electrons from the substrate molecule to the oxidase enzyme, which, in turn, transfers the electrons to an oxygen molecule, forming water or hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. This process is often coupled with the production of energy.
Oxidases are classified based on the nature of the substrate they act upon. For example, certain oxidases catalyze the oxidation of simple organic compounds, such as ethanol or formaldehyde, while others are specific to more complex substances like amino acids or fatty acids. Each oxidase recognizes a specific substrate and facilitates its oxidation through a unique enzymatic reaction.
These enzymes are involved in various physiological processes, such as energy production, regulation of oxidative stress, and the detoxification of harmful substances. In medical and diagnostic applications, oxidase tests are frequently employed to identify bacteria based on their ability to produce oxidase enzymes.
Overall, oxidases are essential catalysts that enable the efficient breakdown and utilization of substrates, contributing to the maintenance of biological processes and the overall functioning of living organisms.
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One of a large group of deamiddizing oxidizing substances contained in animal and plant tissues; they are believed to have a catalytic action and therefore to belong among the ferments; they cause the oxidation of various organic substances, converting hypoxanthin into xanthin, for example.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OXIDASE
Etymology of OXIDASE
The word "oxidase" is derived from the combination of two components: "oxid" and "ase".
The first component, "oxid", is derived from the Latin word "oxydum", meaning "acid", which is further derived from the Greek word "oxus", meaning "sharp" or "acid". It refers to a substance that can combine chemically with oxygen or cause oxidation.
The second component, "ase", is a suffix used in biochemistry to denote an enzyme or an enzyme-related substance. It is derived from the Greek suffix "-asis", which indicates an action or process, commonly used to form nouns.
Therefore, "oxidase" refers to an enzyme that facilitates or catalyzes the process of oxidation or involves oxidation in its reactions.
Similar spelling words for OXIDASE
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