P450scc
P450scc
P450scc (pronounced "P four fifty s c c"), also known as Cytochrome P450 11A1, is a mitochondrial enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of steroid hormones in the human body.
Etymology
The term "P450" refers to the spectral peak at the wavelength of 450 nm of this enzyme when it is in the reduced state and complexed with carbon monoxide. "scc" stands for "side chain cleavage", which describes the function of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of steroids.
Function
P450scc is the only enzyme capable of converting cholesterol into pregnenolone, which is the first step in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones. This process is known as the side-chain cleavage reaction.
Related Terms
- Cytochrome P450: A large and diverse group of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of organic substances.
- Steroidogenesis: The biological process by which steroids are generated from cholesterol and transformed into other steroids.
- Mitochondria: An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
- Cholesterol: A type of fat present in the blood that is used by your body to build healthy cells.
- Pregnenolone: A steroid hormone involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on P450scc
- Wikipedia's article - P450scc
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