Arginase
Arginase
Arginase (pronounced: ar-ji-nase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, which is the process that the body uses to get rid of ammonia. It catalyzes the final step of the urea cycle, converting L-arginine into urea and L-ornithine.
Etymology
The term "Arginase" is derived from the substrate it acts upon, "arginine", and the suffix "-ase", which is used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Function
Arginase is primarily found in the liver, where it helps to regulate the body's production of urea. It is also found in smaller amounts in other tissues, where it plays a role in the production of polyamines, which are compounds that are important for cell growth and differentiation.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Urea cycle: The process by which the body converts toxic ammonia into urea, which can be safely excreted in the urine.
- L-arginine: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Urea: A compound that is produced in the liver and excreted in the urine.
- L-ornithine: An amino acid that is used in the urea cycle and in the production of polyamines.
- Liver: The largest internal organ in the body, responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
- Polyamines: Organic compounds that are important for cell growth and differentiation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arginase
- Wikipedia's article - Arginase
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