SYNTHETASE Meaning and
Definition
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Synthetase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of synthesizing or producing new molecules in living organisms. Specifically, synthetases are responsible for catalyzing the formation of covalent bonds between different molecules, typically using energy from high-energy compounds like ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This enzymatic activity allows the body to generate complex molecules required for various biological processes.
Synthetases are found in all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. They are involved in numerous physiological processes such as protein synthesis, DNA replication, and lipid metabolism. Each synthetase is specific to a particular class of molecules, and their specificity is critical for ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
The function of synthetases involves the binding of a specific substrate molecule to the active site of the enzyme. Then, through a series of reactions, the enzyme facilitates the formation of a covalent bond, which may lead to the production of a larger molecule or the modification of an existing one. Synthetases are often named based on the substrate they work with, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which catalyzes the formation of aminoacyl-tRNA molecules during protein synthesis.
Overall, synthetases are vital players in the process of biosynthesis, enabling the creation of complex molecules necessary for the normal functioning of living organisms.
Etymology of SYNTHETASE
The word "synthetase" is derived from a combination of two parts: "synthet" and "-ase".
1. "Synthet" comes from the word "synthesize", which originates from the Greek words "syn" (meaning "together") and "tithenai" (meaning "to place" or "to set"). Therefore, "synthesize" essentially means "to put together" or "to combine". This term implies the creation or formation of something by combining various elements or parts.
2. "-ase" is a suffix frequently used in biochemistry to denote an enzyme. It is derived from the Greek word "asis", meaning "enzyme". "-ase" is often added to the name of a substance or process to indicate that it is related to enzymatic activity.
