reductase
Definition
Noun: An enzyme that catalyzes a biochemical reduction reaction. Specifically, it facilitates the addition of hydrogen or the removal of oxygen from a specified substance.
Usage
The word "reductase" is a technical term used primarily in biochemistry and molecular biology. It names a specific class of enzymes based on their function. The substance they act upon is often specified in the enzyme's full name (e.g., ribonucleotide reductase).
Examples
- The enzyme reductase is essential for converting folate into its active form.
- A key step in cholesterol synthesis is controlled by HMG-CoA reductase.
- Researchers studied the mechanism of the nitrate reductase complex.
Advanced Usage
- Inhibitors of specific reductases are common therapeutic agents. For example, "5-alpha-reductase inhibitors" are used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- The term is often part of a hyphenated compound name specifying the substrate: "The system is crucial for maintaining cellular redox balance."
Variants and Related Words
- Oxidoreductase (n): A broader class of enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, which includes reductases.
- Reduction (n): The chemical reaction catalyzed by a reductase, typically involving a gain of electrons or hydrogen.
- Reductive (adj): Relating to or causing reduction.
Synonyms
- Reducing enzyme: A more descriptive, non-technical synonym.
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning is constant: an enzyme that catalyzes reduction. Its specific application depends entirely on the compound it is paired with (e.g., aldose reductase, dihydrofolate reductase). It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.
Noun
-
an enzyme that catalyses the biochemical reduction of some specified substance
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