REDUCING ENZYME Meaning and
Definition
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A reducing enzyme refers to a class of proteins that catalyze chemical reactions involving reduction, which is the process of adding electrons or hydrogen ions to a molecule. These enzymes play a crucial role in various metabolic pathways, as they facilitate the conversion of one compound into another by donating electrons in a redox reaction. Overall, reducing enzymes are responsible for the breaking down, synthesis, and transformation of organic molecules in living organisms.
The mechanism of action of reducing enzymes involves the transfer of electrons from the active site of the enzyme to the substrate molecule. This transfer of electrons leads to the reduction of the substrate, resulting in the formation of a new product. The reduction process is accomplished through the presence of a cofactor, such as NADH or NADPH, which act as electron carriers and donate the necessary electrons to the substrate.
Furthermore, reducing enzymes are involved in critical biological processes, such as energy production, detoxification, and biosynthesis of various molecules. Examples of reducing enzymes include dehydrogenases, reductases, and cytochrome P450 enzymes. These enzymes are often highly specific, recognizing and interacting with specific substrate molecules based on their chemical structure and functional groups.
In conclusion, reducing enzymes are a class of proteins that facilitate reduction reactions by transferring electrons or hydrogen ions from the enzyme to a substrate. These enzymes are essential for various metabolic processes in living organisms, aiding in the breakdown, synthesis, and transformation of organic molecules.
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One which has the property of withdrawing oxygen, as, for example, causing the production of hydrogen sulphide in the presence of sulphur and water; reductase.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REDUCING ENZYME
Etymology of REDUCING ENZYME
The term "reducing enzyme" is composed of two parts: "reducing" and "enzyme".
1. Reducing: The term "reducing" comes from the verb "reduce", which originates from the Latin word "reducere". "Reducere" is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "again", and "ducere" meaning "to lead" or "to bring". Thus, "reduce" means to bring back or lead back, often implying a decrease or transformation.
2. Enzyme: The term "enzyme" comes from the Greek word "enzūmion", which means "leavened" or "in yeast". Later, it was connected to the Greek word "enzūmos", which means "in yeast". The word "enzyme" was first introduced in the late 19th century by the German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne.
