Dehydrogenase
Enzymes that catalyze oxidation reactions
Dehydrogenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of hydrogen atoms or electrons from one molecule to another. There are various types of dehydrogenases that function in different metabolic pathways. For example, lactate dehydrogenase is involved in the conversion of pyruvate to lactate during anaerobic respiration, while alcohol dehydrogenase is involved in the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism.
Dehydrogenases play a critical role in the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. In the process of cellular respiration, glucose is first broken down into pyruvate through glycolysis, and then pyruvate is oxidized to produce ATP through the citric acid cycle. Dehydrogenase enzymes are involved in both of these processes by transferring electrons from intermediate molecules to carrier molecules like NAD+ or FAD, which then donate these electrons to the electron transport chain to produce ATP.
Dehydrogenases are also involved in biosynthesis pathways, such as the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids. In these pathways, dehydrogenases catalyze the reduction of intermediate molecules by adding hydrogen atoms or electrons, which are usually derived from NADH or NADPH.
Overall, dehydrogenases are important enzymes in cellular metabolism and play a critical role in the production of energy and biosynthesis of important molecules.
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