INOSINE PHOSPHORYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Inosine Phosphorylase (IP) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of purine nucleotides. It is responsible for catalyzing the reversible phosphorolysis of inosine, a nucleoside, into hypoxanthine and ribose-1-phosphate. This key reaction is part of the purine salvage pathway, which enables the recycling and utilization of purine bases for the synthesis of nucleotides.
The active site of inosine phosphorylase contains a conserved histidine residue that acts as a proton donor during the reaction, facilitating the cleavage of the glycosidic bond in inosine. The resulting hypoxanthine is then converted into the intermediate, xanthine, by the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Xanthine is eventually converted into uric acid, which is then excreted by the kidneys.
Inosine phosphorylase has been found in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and humans. In humans, IP is predominantly found in lymphoid tissues, such as the thymus and lymph nodes, highlighting its importance in immune responses. It also has implications in diseases, such as cancer, where altered expression or activity of IP can contribute to pathological purine metabolism.
Overall, inosine phosphorylase is a key enzyme involved in the breakdown of inosine, facilitating the recycling of purine bases and contributing to nucleotide synthesis. Its role in various physiological processes underscores its significance in cellular metabolism and its potential as a therapeutic target for certain diseases.
Common Misspellings for INOSINE PHOSPHORYLASE
- unosine phosphorylase
- jnosine phosphorylase
- knosine phosphorylase
- onosine phosphorylase
- 9nosine phosphorylase
- 8nosine phosphorylase
- ibosine phosphorylase
- imosine phosphorylase
- ijosine phosphorylase
- ihosine phosphorylase
- inisine phosphorylase
- inksine phosphorylase
- inlsine phosphorylase
- inpsine phosphorylase
- in0sine phosphorylase
- in9sine phosphorylase
- inoaine phosphorylase
- inozine phosphorylase
- inoxine phosphorylase
- inodine phosphorylase
Etymology of INOSINE PHOSPHORYLASE
The word "inosine phosphorylase" is composed of two main elements: "inosine" and "phosphorylase".
1. Inosine:
The term "inosine" is derived from the root word "inos-" combined with the suffix "-ine". The root word "inos-" originates from the Greek word "inos", meaning "fiber" or "muscle". It was later adapted in chemistry to refer to the sugar molecule, "inositol". The suffix "-ine" is often used to indicate a substance or a chemical compound. Therefore, "inosine" refers to a specific chemical compound that is related to inositol.
2. Phosphorylase:
The term "phosphorylase" is derived from the root word "phosphoryl-" combined with the suffix "-ase".
