OXIDOREDUCTASE Meaning and
Definition
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Oxidoreductase is a term commonly used in the field of biochemistry to describe a subgroup of enzymes that are involved in oxidation and reduction reactions. These enzymes play a crucial role in catalyzing the transfer of electrons, known as redox reactions, between molecules.
The term "oxidoreductase" is derived from Latin words: "oxidare" meaning to oxidize and "reducere" meaning to reduce. Therefore, an oxidoreductase is an enzyme that facilitates the transfer of electrons from one molecule (the electron acceptor) to another molecule (the electron donor) during a chemical reaction. This transfer of electrons ultimately results in the conversion of one molecule into another.
Oxidoreductases can be found in a variety of biological systems, such as bacteria, plants, and animals. They are classified into different types based on the specific reactions they catalyze. Some common examples of oxidoreductases include dehydrogenases, oxidases, reductases, and peroxidases.
These enzymes are involved in numerous physiological processes, including cellular respiration, metabolism of nutrients, detoxification of harmful substances, and the production of energy. Without oxidoreductases, many essential biological reactions that are crucial for sustaining life would not occur or would proceed at an extremely slow rate.
In summary, oxidoreductases are a diverse group of enzymes that facilitate the transfer of electrons between molecules during oxidation and reduction reactions. They play a vital role in various biological processes and are significant for maintaining the functionality and balance within living organisms.
Common Misspellings for OXIDOREDUCTASE
- ixidoreductase
- kxidoreductase
- lxidoreductase
- pxidoreductase
- 0xidoreductase
- 9xidoreductase
- ozidoreductase
- ocidoreductase
- odidoreductase
- osidoreductase
- oxudoreductase
- oxjdoreductase
- oxkdoreductase
- oxodoreductase
- ox9doreductase
- ox8doreductase
- oxisoreductase
- oxixoreductase
- oxicoreductase
Etymology of OXIDOREDUCTASE
The word "oxidoreductase" is derived from two parts: "oxido-" and "-reductase".
The prefix "oxido-" originates from the Latin term "oxidare", which means "to combine with oxygen" or "to add oxygen". In chemistry, oxidation refers to a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons or adds oxygen atoms.
The suffix "-reductase" is derived from the word "reduction". Reduction in chemistry refers to a reaction in which a substance gains electrons or loses oxygen atoms.
Combined, "oxidoreductase" describes an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction reactions. These enzymes facilitate the transfer of electrons from one molecule (referred to as the substrate) to another molecule, resulting in either oxidation or reduction of the substrate.
In summary, the etymology of "oxidoreductase" reflects its function to facilitate reactions involving the addition or removal of oxygen atoms or electrons.
Similar spelling word for OXIDOREDUCTASE
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