PYRIDOXAL KINASE Meaning and
Definition
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Pyridoxal kinase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. It belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups. Pyridoxal kinase is responsible for the phosphorylation of pyridoxal, which is one of the active forms of vitamin B6, to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the biologically active coenzyme.
The phosphorylation of pyridoxal by pyridoxal kinase is an essential step in the activation of vitamin B6, as PLP serves as a cofactor for over 140 enzymes involved in various metabolic processes. These processes include amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the synthesis of heme and nucleic acids. Therefore, the activity of pyridoxal kinase is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function and overall health.
Pyridoxal kinase has a high specificity for pyridoxal as its substrate, although it can also phosphorylate other forms of vitamin B6, such as pyridoxine and pyridoxamine. The enzyme requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a source of phosphate for the phosphorylation reaction.
Deficiencies in pyridoxal kinase activity can lead to impaired vitamin B6 metabolism, resulting in various health issues, including neurological disorders, anemia, and compromised immune function. Conversely, overactivity of pyridoxal kinase can cause excessive phosphorylation of pyridoxal, leading to reduced availability of free pyridoxal and potentially affecting the functionality of vitamin B6-dependent enzymes.
Common Misspellings for PYRIDOXAL KINASE
- oyridoxal kinase
- lyridoxal kinase
- -yridoxal kinase
- 0yridoxal kinase
- ptridoxal kinase
- pgridoxal kinase
- phridoxal kinase
- puridoxal kinase
- p7ridoxal kinase
- p6ridoxal kinase
- pyeidoxal kinase
- pydidoxal kinase
- pyfidoxal kinase
- pytidoxal kinase
- py5idoxal kinase
- py4idoxal kinase
- pyrudoxal kinase
- pyrjdoxal kinase
- pyrkdoxal kinase
- pyrodoxal kinase
Etymology of PYRIDOXAL KINASE
The word "Pyridoxal Kinase" consists of two main parts: "pyridoxal" and "kinase".
1. Pyridoxal:
- The term "pyridoxal" comes from the combination of two words: "pyridine" and "oxal".
- The word "pyridine" refers to a six-membered heterocyclic aromatic compound consisting of five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, with molecular formula C5H5N.
- The term "oxal" refers to an old name for an organic compound called "pyruvic acid". Pyruvic acid is an important intermediate molecule in various metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of pyridoxal.
- "Pyridoxal" specifically refers to 3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridine, which is a derivative of pyridine.
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