NUCLEOTIDASES Meaning and
Definition
-
Nucleotidases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and they are involved in various cellular processes such as energy transfer, signal transduction, and enzymatic reactions. However, nucleotides need to be constantly regulated and controlled within cells to maintain homeostasis.
Nucleotidases are responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of nucleotides into smaller molecules. They essentially act as "molecular scissors," breaking down nucleotides into nucleosides and inorganic phosphate. This process is essential for recycling nucleotides and preventing their accumulation, as well as for the removal of excess nucleotides from the cell.
The hydrolysis of nucleotides by nucleotidases is an important step in the catabolism of nucleotides. Once the nucleotides are broken down into nucleosides and phosphate, they can be further metabolized or excreted from the cell. Nucleotidases are present in various tissues and organs, including the liver, kidney, and intestine.
Furthermore, nucleotidases are also involved in regulating the levels of certain nucleotides that act as signaling molecules. For example, adenosine, a breakdown product of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), can activate specific adenosine receptors. Nucleotidases help control the concentration of adenosine in the extracellular space by converting it back into AMP (adenosine monophosphate) or into inosine, preventing excessive activation of adenosine receptors.
Overall, nucleotidases are essential enzymes involved in the metabolism and regulation of nucleotides in cells, ensuring proper cellular function and homeost
Common Misspellings for NUCLEOTIDASES
- nucleotides
- bucleotidases
- mucleotidases
- jucleotidases
- hucleotidases
- nycleotidases
- nhcleotidases
- njcleotidases
- nicleotidases
- n8cleotidases
- n7cleotidases
- nuxleotidases
- nuvleotidases
- nufleotidases
- nudleotidases
- nuckeotidases
- nucpeotidases
- nucoeotidases
- nuclwotidases
- nuclsotidases
Etymology of NUCLEOTIDASES
The word "nucleotidases" is derived from the combination of two terms: "nucleotide" and "ases".
1. Nucleotide: The term "nucleotide" refers to the basic building blocks of nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA). These molecules consist of three components: a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate group. The word "nucleotide" originates from the Latin words "nucleus" meaning "kernel" or "nucleus" and "acidus" meaning "acid". It was coined in the mid-20th century.
2. Ases: The suffix "-ases" is derived from the Greek word "ase" (ασης), which denotes an enzyme or a catalyst. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific biochemical reactions within cells.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
