Inorganic pyrophosphatase

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Inorganic Pyrophosphatase

Inorganic pyrophosphatase (pronounced as in-or-gan-ic py-ro-phos-phat-ase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of one molecule of pyrophosphate to two phosphate ions. This is a highly exergonic reaction, and therefore can be coupled to unfavorable biochemical transformations in order to drive these transformations to completion. The systematic name of this enzyme class is inorganic-diphosphatase. Other names in common use include diphosphatase, inorganic diphosphatase, and pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase.

Etymology

The term "Inorganic Pyrophosphatase" is derived from the Greek words 'inorganikos' meaning 'not organic', 'pyro' meaning 'fire', and 'phosphatase' which is derived from 'phosphoric acid'. The term 'phosphatase' is used in biochemistry to refer to enzymes that catalyze the removal of a phosphate group from an organic compound.

Function

Inorganic pyrophosphatase plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism of cells. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to inorganic phosphate, which is a highly exergonic reaction. This reaction is often coupled with other biochemical reactions that are endergonic, meaning they require energy to proceed. By coupling these reactions, the overall reaction becomes exergonic and can proceed spontaneously.

Related Terms

  • Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.
  • Pyrophosphate: A type of phosphorus oxyanion and a product of many biosynthetic reactions.
  • Phosphate: A chemical derivative of phosphoric acid.
  • Hydrolysis: The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.
  • Exergonic Reaction: A reaction that releases energy during the process of the reaction.
  • Endergonic Reaction: A reaction that requires energy to proceed.

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