Carboksülaadiyon

Carboksülaadiyon, also known as carboxylation, is a chemical reaction where a carboxyl group (COOH) is introduced into a molecule. This process is fundamental in organic chemistry and plays a crucial role in various biochemical pathways. Carboxylation reactions can be catalyzed by enzymes, often referred to as carboxylases, or can occur through non-enzymatic methods.

In biological systems, carboxylation is essential for numerous metabolic processes. For example, the carboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate by the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase is a key step in the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis. Similarly, the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase, is vital for fatty acid synthesis. Plants also utilize carboxylation extensively, most notably in photosynthesis where carbon dioxide is fixed to ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO.

Non-enzymatic carboxylation can occur under specific conditions, often involving strong bases or organometallic reagents. These methods are employed in synthetic organic chemistry to functionalize organic molecules. The reverse reaction, decarboxylation, involves the removal of a carboxyl group. Understanding carboxylation is key to comprehending the synthesis and breakdown of many organic compounds and their importance in life.