How Do You Spell ALDEHYDASE?

1. Aldehydase, also known as aldehyde dehydrogenase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. It is a critical component of the cellular metabolic pathways responsible for converting aldehydes into less reactive forms.

   Aldehydases are essential for the breakdown of various organic compounds, including sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. These enzymes play a crucial role in detoxifying the body by aiding in the removal of toxic aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are byproducts of various metabolic processes and environmental exposures.

   The mechanism of action for aldehydases involves the transfer of electrons from the aldehyde substrate to an acceptor molecule, such as NAD+ or NADP+. This process results in the formation of a carboxylic acid and the simultaneous reduction of the acceptor molecule. The reaction is highly specific, with different aldehydases exhibiting selectivity for particular aldehyde substrates.

   Aldehydases are predominantly found in the cytoplasm of cells, although some isoforms are also present in the mitochondria. They are widely distributed across different tissues and organs, including liver, kidneys, heart, and brain, indicating their significance in maintaining proper cellular functioning.

   Deficiencies or dysfunctions in aldehydases can lead to the accumulation of toxic aldehydes, which may cause various health problems, such as liver damage, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, aldehydase inhibitors have been investigated as potential therapeutics for managing conditions associated with aldehyde toxicity.

2. An oxidizing ferment which converts an aldehyde into an acid.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ALDEHYDASE

The word "aldehydase" is derived from the term "aldehyde" and the suffix "-ase".

The term "aldehyde" originates from the German word "aldehyd", which was coined by German chemist Justus von Liebig in 1835. The German term was a combination of the words "alcohol" and the suffix "-yl", along with "dehydrated" and the suffix "-id".

The suffix "-ase" is commonly used in biochemistry to denote an enzyme that catalyzes a specific reaction. It comes from the Greek word "ásis", meaning "enzyme".

Therefore, "aldehydase" refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the transformation or breakdown of aldehydes.

Plural form of ALDEHYDASE is ALDEHYDASES