Glutathione peroxidase

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Glutathione Peroxidase

Glutathione peroxidase (pronounced: gloo-tuh-thigh-own per-ox-ih-dase) is a family of enzymes containing selenium, which play a key role in the body's detoxification system and also provide protection against oxidative stress.

Etymology

The term 'Glutathione peroxidase' is derived from two words: 'Glutathione', a tripeptide consisting of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, and 'Peroxidase', a term for enzymes that catalyze reactions involving peroxides.

Function

Glutathione peroxidase functions to reduce lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and to reduce free hydrogen peroxide to water. This is crucial in the body's defense against oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage and disease.

Related Terms

  • Oxidative Stress: An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.
  • Enzyme: Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up reactions that take place in the cells.
  • Selenium: A trace mineral that is essential for human health. It is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes.
  • Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.

See Also

External links

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