Esterase

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Esterase

Esterase (pronunciation: es-ter-ase) is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of ester bonds.

Etymology

The term "Esterase" is derived from the compound word "ester" and the suffix "-ase", which is used in biochemistry to form names of enzymes. The word "ester" was coined in 1848 by a German chemist named Leopold Gmelin, and it's a combination of the German "Essigäther" (acetic ether). The suffix "-ase" is used to denote an enzyme and is derived from the enzyme diastase.

Function

Esterases play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including the hydrolysis of esters, a type of chemical compound. They are involved in various physiological reactions such as the regulation of neurotransmitters, the breakdown of drugs and toxins in the body, and the maturation of proteins.

Types of Esterases

There are several types of esterases, including:

  • Cholinesterase: This type of esterase is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the synaptic cleft of a neuron.
  • Lipase: Lipases are esterases that break down fats and lipids in the body.
  • Carboxylesterase: Carboxylesterases are responsible for detoxifying certain drugs and toxins in the body.

Related Terms

  • Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.
  • Ester: A compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group.
  • Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse.

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