OXYGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Oxygenase is a term used to describe a class of enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions involving the incorporation of oxygen into organic molecules. It specifically refers to enzymes that facilitate the introduction of one or two oxygen atoms into a substrate molecule.
Oxygenases play a crucial role in many biological processes, including the metabolism of various compounds. They are involved in key steps of energy production, the breakdown of xenobiotics (foreign substances) in the body, and the synthesis of essential molecules such as hormones and secondary metabolites.
The mechanism by which oxygenases function involves the binding of molecular oxygen (O2) to the enzyme's active site, which then transfers the oxygen atom(s) to the substrate molecule. This incorporation of oxygen can result in various chemical modifications, such as hydroxylation (addition of a hydroxyl group), epoxidation (formation of an epoxy group), or oxidative cleavage.
Oxygenases can be classified based on their specificity for substrates and the number of oxygen atoms they incorporate into the substrate. For example, monooxygenases incorporate a single oxygen atom into the substrate, while dioxygenases incorporate two oxygen atoms. Some oxygenases require other cofactors, such as iron or flavin, for their catalytic activity.
The wide range of reactions catalyzed by oxygenases makes them important in various fields, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Understanding their mechanisms and utilizing their unique capabilities can aid in the development of drugs, biofuels, and the bioremediation of pollutants.
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A substance of protein nature, containing iron or manganese, which takes up oxygen and is converted into a peroxide; it is then rendered an active oxidizing enzyme by the action of peroxidase.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OXYGENASE
- ixygenase
- kxygenase
- lxygenase
- pxygenase
- 0xygenase
- 9xygenase
- ozygenase
- ocygenase
- odygenase
- osygenase
- oxtgenase
- oxggenase
- oxhgenase
- oxugenase
- ox7genase
- ox6genase
- oxyfenase
- oxyvenase
- oxybenase
Etymology of OXYGENASE
The word "oxygenase" is derived from two parts: "oxygen" and the suffix "-ase".
The word "oxygen" originates from the French word "oxygène", coined in 1777 by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. It is a combination of the Greek words "oxys" meaning "acid" or "sharp" and "gennan" meaning "to generate" or "create". The term reflects Lavoisier's belief that oxygen was a key component in the formation of acids.
The suffix "-ase" is a common suffix used in biochemistry to indicate an enzyme. It is derived from the Greek word "-asis" which means "process" or "action". The suffix "-ase" is commonly added to the root of a substrate to indicate the enzyme that acts upon it.
Similar spelling words for OXYGENASE
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