Adenosine deaminase
Adenosine Deaminase
Adenosine deaminase (pronounced: a-den-o-seen dee-am-in-ase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in purine metabolism. It is involved in the breakdown and utilization of adenosine and deoxyadenosine, which are components of DNA and RNA.
Etymology
The term "adenosine deaminase" is derived from the name of the molecule it acts upon, adenosine, and the process it facilitates, deamination. "Adenosine" is a combination of "adenine" and "ribose," the two components of the molecule. "Deaminase" comes from "deamination," the removal of an amino group.
Function
Adenosine deaminase is primarily found in lymphocytes and monocytes, where it catalyzes the conversion of adenosine and deoxyadenosine to inosine and deoxyinosine respectively. This process is essential for the breakdown of these molecules, preventing their harmful accumulation in the body.
Related Terms
- Adenosine deaminase deficiency: A genetic disorder resulting from a lack of adenosine deaminase, leading to severe immunodeficiency.
- Adenosine deaminase inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the function of adenosine deaminase, used in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.
- Pegademase: A modified form of adenosine deaminase used to treat adenosine deaminase deficiency.
See Also
- Enzyme
- Purine metabolism
- Adenosine
- Deoxyadenosine
- DNA
- RNA
- Amino group
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Inosine
- Deoxyinosine
- Adenosine deaminase deficiency
- Adenosine deaminase inhibitors
- Pegademase
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adenosine deaminase
- Wikipedia's article - Adenosine deaminase
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