Dehydrogenase meaning

Dehydrogenase is an enzyme responsible for the removal of hydrogen atoms from a substrate.


Dehydrogenase definitions

Word backwards esanegordyhed
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "dehydrogenase" is a noun.
Syllabic division de-hy-dro-gen-ase
Plural The plural of dehydrogenase is dehydrogenases.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) e,o,a
Consonants (7) d,h,y,r,g,n,s

Dehydrogenases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in various metabolic processes in living organisms. These enzymes are responsible for catalyzing the removal of hydrogen atoms from organic molecules, a process known as dehydrogenation. This reaction is essential for the conversion of substrates into products, making dehydrogenases key players in energy production, biosynthesis, and other important cellular functions.

The Role of Dehydrogenases in Metabolism

Dehydrogenases are involved in many metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. These enzymes help to extract energy from nutrients by transferring electrons from substrates to coenzymes like NAD+ and FAD. This transfer of electrons is a crucial step in the production of ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.

Types of Dehydrogenases

There are various types of dehydrogenases, each with specificity for different substrates. For example, alcohol dehydrogenase is responsible for oxidizing alcohols, while lactate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. These enzymes play specialized roles in different metabolic pathways, ensuring that the correct reactions take place at the right time.

Importance of Dehydrogenases in Health

Dehydrogenases are essential for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. Any dysfunction in these enzymes can lead to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or mitochondrial diseases. Understanding the role of dehydrogenases in health and disease can help researchers develop targeted therapies for these conditions.

In conclusion, dehydrogenases are vital enzymes that facilitate key metabolic reactions in living organisms. By catalyzing the removal of hydrogen atoms from organic molecules, these enzymes play a crucial role in energy production and many other cellular processes. Understanding the function and importance of dehydrogenases provides valuable insights into metabolism and potential treatments for associated disorders.


Dehydrogenase Examples

  1. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase is responsible for metabolizing ethanol in the liver.
  2. NADH dehydrogenase plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration.
  3. Pyruvate dehydrogenase is essential for converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA in the citric acid cycle.
  4. Lactate dehydrogenase is involved in converting lactate to pyruvate in the process of anaerobic respiration.
  5. Isocitrate dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the citric acid cycle, catalyzing the conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate.
  6. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is crucial for the production of NADPH, which is important for antioxidant defense.
  7. Malate dehydrogenase plays a role in the conversion of malate to oxaloacetate in the citric acid cycle.
  8. The enzyme succinate dehydrogenase is part of both the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain in mitochondria.
  9. 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase is involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria.
  10. NADPH dehydrogenase is responsible for transferring electrons in various metabolic pathways.


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  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 04:37:22