ISOENtyyppiset

ISOENtyyppiset is a Finnish term that translates to "isoenzyme" or "isozyme" in English. Isoenzymes are variants of an enzyme that catalyze the same biochemical reaction but differ in their amino acid sequence and, consequently, in their physical and chemical properties such as electrophoretic mobility or substrate affinity. These variations arise from genetic differences, often due to gene duplication and subsequent divergence, or from post-translational modifications of the same polypeptide chain.

The presence of different isoenzymes within a single organism or cell can be advantageous. They can allow for fine-tuning of metabolic processes in response to different physiological conditions or cellular locations. For example, some isoenzymes might function optimally at lower temperatures, while others are more active at higher temperatures. Similarly, isoenzymes can be expressed in specific tissues or at different developmental stages, contributing to specialized cellular functions.

The study of isoenzymes is important in various fields of biology and medicine. In clinical diagnostics, the measurement of specific isoenzymes in blood serum can help identify and diagnose certain diseases. For instance, elevated levels of specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes can indicate damage to particular organs like the heart or liver. In research, isoenzymes are used to understand gene expression patterns, evolutionary relationships, and the regulation of metabolic pathways.