oxygenase
Definition
Noun: An enzyme that catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen (O₂) into its substrate. It is a specific type of oxidoreductase.
Usage
The term "oxygenase" is used in biochemistry and molecular biology to refer to a class of enzymes involved in oxidation reactions where oxygen atoms from O₂ are directly incorporated into the target molecule. This is distinct from other oxidases, which typically catalyze the removal of electrons.
Examples
- The enzyme oxygenase is crucial for the metabolic breakdown of many aromatic compounds.
- Researchers studied the activity of the oxygenase involved in the biosynthetic pathway.
- Heme oxygenase is an important enzyme that degrades heme into biliverdin.
Advanced Usage
- Monooxygenase vs. Dioxygenase: Oxygenases are further categorized based on the number of oxygen atoms incorporated.
- A monooxygenase incorporates one atom of oxygen into the substrate, while the other is reduced to water.
- A dioxygenase incorporates both atoms of molecular oxygen into the substrate.
Variants and Related Words
- Monooxygenase (n): A subclass of oxygenase that transfers one oxygen atom to a substrate.
- Dioxygenase (n): A subclass of oxygenase that incorporates both atoms of an oxygen molecule into a substrate.
- Oxidoreductase (n): The broader enzyme class to which oxygenases belong; it catalyzes oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Hydroxylase (n): A common type of monooxygenase that introduces a hydroxyl group (-OH) into a substrate.
Synonyms
- Oxidizing enzyme (this is a broader, less specific term)
- Oxygen-incorporating enzyme (descriptive synonym)
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning of "oxygenase" is strictly enzymatic. It does not refer to oxygen itself or to general oxygen-carrying molecules like hemoglobin. Its function is catalytic and specific to biochemical incorporation reactions.
Noun
-
an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ chứa "oxygenase"
