How Do You Spell MEVALONATE PATHWAY?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛvɐlˌɒne͡ɪt pˈaθwe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of "mevalonate pathway" can be best understood through its IPA phonetic transcription /mɪˈvæləneɪt ˈpæθweɪ/. The word begins with the voiced bilabial nasal /m/ followed by the short “i” vowel sound /ɪ/. It is then followed by the voiceless labiodental fricative /f/ and the voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/. The second part of the word begins with the voiced palato-alveolar fricative /ʒ/ and ends with the voiced labiodental nasal /m/. This word denotes the metabolic pathway that produces isoprenoids and sterols in the cell.

MEVALONATE PATHWAY Meaning and Definition

  1. The mevalonate pathway is a biochemical pathway that occurs in most living organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. It is a vital metabolic pathway responsible for the synthesis of isoprenoids, a diverse class of molecules that play essential roles in various cellular functions.

    The mevalonate pathway begins with the conversion of acetyl-CoA, a common intermediate in metabolic processes, into 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) through a series of enzymatic reactions. This conversion is considered the rate-limiting step of the pathway and is catalyzed by the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.

    Following the formation of HMG-CoA, it undergoes a series of modifications, including decarboxylation and reduction, to produce mevalonate. Mevalonate is further processed through a sequence of enzymatic reactions, such as phosphorylation and decarboxylation, to generate various intermediates like isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). These compounds are the fundamental building blocks for the synthesis of isoprenoids, which include molecules such as cholesterol, steroid hormones, bile acids, coenzyme Q, and various signaling molecules.

    The mevalonate pathway plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, including membrane synthesis, protein prenylation, cell signaling, and regulation of gene expression. Additionally, it is targeted by pharmaceutical drugs, such as statins, which inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

Etymology of MEVALONATE PATHWAY

The word "mevalonate pathway" is derived from the term "mevalonic acid", which is an important precursor molecule involved in the biosynthesis of various compounds such as cholesterol, coenzyme Q, and isoprenoids.

The term "mevalonate" originated from the Greek words "mevalon" meaning "broom" or "brushwood", and "ate" indicating the carboxylic acid group. The compound got its name because it was first isolated from a type of prickly shrub called Ammi visnaga, commonly known as bishop's weed or khella, which was historically used to make brooms.

The discovery and understanding of the metabolic pathway that produces mevalonate led to the naming of the entire pathway as the "mevalonate pathway". This pathway involves several enzymatic steps and is responsible for the synthesis of important molecules essential for various cellular processes.