Definition

1. Noun:
   • An enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction: An oxidoreductase is a type of enzyme that facilitates biochemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons from one molecule (the reductant) to another (the oxidant). These reactions are fundamental to processes like respiration and photosynthesis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Alcohol dehydrogenase is a common oxidoreductase.
  • The metabolic pathway requires a specific oxidoreductase to proceed.
  • Researchers are studying the structure of this oxidoreductase.

Advanced Usage

• As a specific class in enzyme nomenclature: The term is often used in formal biochemical classification (EC 1). Enzymes are named for their substrates and the type of reaction; an oxidoreductase catalyzes redox reactions.
  • The enzyme was classified as an oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.1.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxidase (n): A subclass of oxidoreductase that catalyzes a reaction involving molecular oxygen.
  • Cytochrome c oxidase is a key enzyme in the electron transport chain.
• Reductase (n): A subclass of oxidoreductase that catalyzes a reduction reaction.
  • Nitrate reductase is essential for nitrogen assimilation in plants.
• Dehydrogenase (n): A common type of oxidoreductase that removes hydrogen atoms from a substrate.
  • Lactate dehydrogenase is an important enzyme in anaerobic metabolism.

Synonyms

• Redox enzyme: A more general, descriptive term for an enzyme catalyzing oxidation-reduction reactions.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly technical and specific to biochemistry. It refers not to a single enzyme but to a broad class of enzymes defined by their catalytic function (redox reactions). The word itself is a compound of "oxido-" (referring to oxidation) and "reductase" (an enzyme that causes reduction).

Noun

1. an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction