ISOMALTASE Meaning and
Definition
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Isomaltase is an enzyme commonly found in the small intestines of humans and other mammals. It is primarily involved in the digestion and breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, particularly those derived from starches. Isomaltase belongs to a class of enzymes known as disaccharidases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of disaccharides into their respective monosaccharide components.
Specifically, isomaltase is responsible for the cleavage of isomaltose, a disaccharide consisting of two glucose molecules linked together. The enzyme breaks the bond between these glucose units, resulting in the release of individual glucose molecules that can be readily absorbed by the body.
The process of isomaltase-mediated digestion begins in the small intestine, where the enzyme is secreted by enterocytes, the absorptive cells lining the intestinal walls. Isomaltase acts in conjunction with other disaccharidases, such as sucrase and maltase, to ensure the efficient breakdown of various dietary carbohydrates.
Deficiencies or impairments in isomaltase activity can lead to a condition known as congenital isomaltase deficiency (CID), characterized by an inability to properly digest isomaltose and related carbohydrates. This can manifest as symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients.
Common Misspellings for ISOMALTASE
- usomaltase
- jsomaltase
- ksomaltase
- osomaltase
- 9somaltase
- 8somaltase
- iaomaltase
- izomaltase
- ixomaltase
- idomaltase
- ieomaltase
- iwomaltase
- isimaltase
- iskmaltase
- islmaltase
- ispmaltase
- is0maltase
- is9maltase
- isonaltase
- isokaltase
Etymology of ISOMALTASE
The word "isomaltase" is derived from two components: "iso-" and "-maltase".
The prefix "iso-" is derived from the Greek word "ísos" meaning "equal" or "equivalent". In this context, it suggests an isomeric or isozyme form of the enzyme maltase.
The suffix "-maltase" is derived from "maltase", which comes from the root word "malt" referring to maltose, a type of sugar. "Maltase" is an enzyme that hydrolyzes maltose into its constituent parts.
Combining these components, "isomaltase" can be understood as an enzyme that is equivalent or similar to maltase in its function but may have some structural differences or work on slightly different substrates.
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