REDUCTASE Meaning and
Definition
-
Reductase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in biochemical reactions by catalyzing the reduction of a substrate. It belongs to the larger class of enzymes called oxidoreductases, which facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions in various metabolic pathways. The primary function of a reductase is to transfer electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule, resulting in the reduction of the acceptor.
In this context, the reductase acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by initiating or facilitating the transfer of one or more electrons from the donor to the acceptor, effectively decreasing the oxidation state of the acceptor. This reduction reaction typically results in the formation of a new compound or the conversion of the acceptor into another molecule.
The specificity of a reductase is determined by the specific substrate it acts upon. Different reductases are designed to target specific substrates, ranging from coenzymes to organic compounds, depending on the metabolic pathway they are involved in. For instance, NADPH reductase plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, sterols, and other essential molecules, by reducing NADP+ to NADPH.
Overall, the reductase enzyme acts as a crucial component in various biological processes, including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of macromolecules. Its ability to catalyze the reduction reactions efficiently makes it an indispensable tool in the intricately regulated biochemical pathways of living organisms.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REDUCTASE
Etymology of REDUCTASE
The word "reductase" is derived from the Latin term "reducere", which means "to lead back" or "to bring back". In the context of enzymes, reductase refers to an enzyme that catalyzes a reduction reaction, where it transfers electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule, resulting in the reduction of the acceptor molecule. The suffix "-ase" is added to indicate that it is an enzyme.
Similar spelling words for REDUCTASE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
