QUINONE REDUCTASES Meaning and
Definition
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Quinone reductases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the detoxification process. These enzymes are responsible for the reduction of quinones, which are highly reactive and toxic compounds, into less harmful and more soluble forms.
Quinone reductases are classified as oxidoreductases, a category of enzymes that facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions. They specifically target quinones, which are compounds derived from aromatic organic compounds, and catalyze their enzymatic reduction. By donating electrons, quinone reductases convert the quinones into hydroquinones, which are less toxic and more water-soluble compounds.
The reduction process mediated by quinone reductases is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and protection against oxidative stress. Quinones, if left unconverted, can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause significant damage to cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. By detoxifying quinones, quinone reductases prevent the accumulation of ROS and subsequent oxidative damage.
Moreover, quinone reductases also play a role in the metabolism of various exogenous compounds, including drugs, environmental toxins, and carcinogens. They facilitate the biotransformation of these compounds into less toxic and more easily excretable forms. This function highlights the importance of quinone reductases in the overall detoxification and clearance of harmful substances from the body.
Overall, quinone reductases are essential enzymes involved in the detoxification of reactive and toxic quinones, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting against oxidative stress.
Common Misspellings for QUINONE REDUCTASES
- 1uinone reductases
- 2uinone reductases
- wuinone reductases
- auinone reductases
- qyinone reductases
- qhinone reductases
- qjinone reductases
- qiinone reductases
- q8inone reductases
- q7inone reductases
- quunone reductases
- qujnone reductases
- quknone reductases
- quonone reductases
- qu9none reductases
- qu8none reductases
- quibone reductases
- quimone reductases
- quijone reductases
- quihone reductases
Etymology of QUINONE REDUCTASES
The term "quinone reductases" is a scientific term used in the field of biochemistry and enzymology.
The word "quinone" comes from the Latin word "quinonem", which means a "five-sided solid figure". In chemistry, quinones refer to a class of organic compounds that have a cyclic structure consisting of a benzene ring and a ketone group.
The word "reductases" is derived from the noun "reductant", which comes from the Latin word "reducere", meaning "to lead back". In biochemistry, a reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes reduction reactions, involving the addition of electrons to a substrate, resulting in the conversion of the substrate to another compound.
Thus, "quinone reductases" refers to a class of enzymes that are capable of reducing or converting quinones by adding electrons to them.
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