Transferase
Transferase
Transferase (pronounced: trans-fer-ase) is a type of enzyme that facilitates the transfer of a functional group (e.g., a methyl or phosphate group) from one molecule to another.
Etymology
The term "transferase" is derived from the English word "transfer" and the Greek suffix "-ase," which is used to denote enzymes. The term was first used in the mid-20th century to describe enzymes that catalyze transfer reactions.
Function
Transferases play a crucial role in various biological processes, including metabolism, signal transduction, and DNA repair. They are involved in the transfer of various types of functional groups, such as acyl, glycosyl, and phosphoryl groups.
Classification
Transferases are classified under the EC number 2, which includes enzymes that catalyze the transfer of acyl, glycosyl, amino, and other groups. There are several subclasses of transferases, including transaminase, kinase, and glycosyltransferase, among others.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell.
- DNA repair: A collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
- Transaminase: A type of transferase that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group.
- Kinase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups.
- Glycosyltransferase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of sugar moieties.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transferase
- Wikipedia's article - Transferase
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