LIPOXYGENASES Meaning and
Definition
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Lipoxygenases are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are found in various organisms, ranging from plants to animals. These enzymes are responsible for introducing molecular oxygen into PUFAs, leading to the formation of several biologically active products.
Lipoxygenases catalyze the oxidative cleavage of PUFAs at specific carbon positions, resulting in the production of various oxygenated metabolites, known as eicosanoids. These eicosanoids serve as important signaling molecules involved in numerous physiological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and blood vessel regulation.
The name "lipoxygenase" is derived from its characteristic ability to insert an oxygen molecule into the fatty acid substrate through a reaction called dioxygenation. This dioxygenation reaction is facilitated by an iron atom, which is coordinated within the active site of the enzyme.
Lipoxygenases exist in different isoforms, distinguished by their tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and substrate selectivity. For instance, plant lipoxygenases are predominantly involved in the synthesis of defense compounds, such as jasmonates, while mammalian lipoxygenases are crucial for the formation of leukotrienes and lipoxins, which are important mediators of inflammation and immune response.
Overall, lipoxygenases are vital enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and lipid-derived signaling pathways, playing significant roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Studying the biochemistry and functions of lipoxygenases can provide insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with dysregulated lipid signaling, like inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
Common Misspellings for LIPOXYGENASES
- kipoxygenases
- pipoxygenases
- oipoxygenases
- lupoxygenases
- ljpoxygenases
- lkpoxygenases
- lopoxygenases
- l9poxygenases
- l8poxygenases
- liooxygenases
- liloxygenases
- li-oxygenases
- li0oxygenases
- lipixygenases
- lipkxygenases
- liplxygenases
- lippxygenases
- lip0xygenases
- lip9xygenases
- lipozygenases
Etymology of LIPOXYGENASES
The word "lipoxygenases" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The prefix "lipo-" comes from the Greek word "lipos", which means "fat" or "lipid". The root "-oxygen-" is derived from the Latin word "oxygēnum", which means "acid of aether". The suffix "-ase" is commonly used to indicate an enzyme.
Therefore, "lipoxygenases" refers to enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of lipids or fats.
