How Do You Spell LECITHIN ACYLTRANSFERASE?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛsɪθˌɪn ɐkˈɪltɹɐnsfˌɜːɹe͡ɪz] (IPA)

The spelling of "Lecithin Acyltransferase" is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which helps to accurately transcribe pronunciation. The word starts with the "l" sound, followed by the "eh" sound in "le", then the "s" sound in "sit", the "ih" sound in "in", and the "th" sound in "thin". The next part of the word starts with the "ah" sound in "ac", followed by the "ihl" sound in "yl", the "tr" sound in "trans", the "ey" sound in "fer", and the "eyt" sound in "ase". The word is pronounced as "LEH-sih-thin uh-SIL-tran(s)fer-eyt".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

LECITHIN ACYLTRANSFERASE Meaning and Definition

  1. Lecithin acyltransferase (LCAT) is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the formation of cholesteryl esters from free cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine (lecithin). This process is crucial for the normal metabolism and transport of lipids in the human body.

    LCAT plays a key role in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway, which refers to the transport of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver for elimination. In this pathway, LCAT esterifies free cholesterol, converting it into cholesteryl esters. These esters are then transported from peripheral tissues to the liver by high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as "good cholesterol."

    The LCAT enzyme is primarily synthesized and secreted by the liver into the blood. It acts upon the phospholipids present in HDL particles, promoting the esterification of cholesterol. This esterification process not only facilitates the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues but also contributes to the maturation and remodeling of HDL particles.

    Deficiencies in LCAT activity can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as LCAT deficiency. Individuals with this condition often exhibit low levels of HDL cholesterol, significant abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism, and an increased risk of premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

    Overall, LCAT is an essential enzyme involved in lipid metabolism, specifically in the transport of cholesterol. Its activity and function are vital for maintaining the balance of cholesterol levels in the body and preventing the accumulation of cholesterol in arterial walls, which could lead to various cardiovascular complications.

Common Misspellings for LECITHIN ACYLTRANSFERASE

  • kecithin acyltransferase
  • pecithin acyltransferase
  • oecithin acyltransferase
  • lwcithin acyltransferase
  • lscithin acyltransferase
  • ldcithin acyltransferase
  • lrcithin acyltransferase
  • l4cithin acyltransferase
  • l3cithin acyltransferase
  • lexithin acyltransferase
  • levithin acyltransferase
  • lefithin acyltransferase
  • ledithin acyltransferase
  • lecuthin acyltransferase
  • lecjthin acyltransferase
  • leckthin acyltransferase
  • lecothin acyltransferase
  • lec9thin acyltransferase
  • lec8thin acyltransferase
  • lecirhin acyltransferase

Etymology of LECITHIN ACYLTRANSFERASE

The word "lecithin" originates from the Greek word "lekithos", which means "egg yolk". It was derived from the Latin term "laecithinus", describing a fatty substance present in egg yolks.

The term "acyltransferase" is a compound word composed of "acyl" and "transferase". "Acyl" refers to a chemical group formed by an organic acid combining with an alcohol, while "transferase" is derived from the word "transfer", indicating the movement of something from one place to another. In biology, "transferase" refers to an enzyme responsible for transferring functional groups from one molecule to another.