P450enzyme
The cytochrome P450 enzymes, often referred to simply as P450 enzymes, are a diverse group of heme-containing proteins that play a crucial role in drug metabolism and the synthesis of biologically important molecules. These enzymes belong to the superfamily of monooxygenases, which catalyze reactions where one atom of oxygen from molecular oxygen (O₂) is incorporated into a substrate, while the other atom is reduced to water. The name "P450" originates from the observation that these enzymes exhibit a characteristic absorption peak at 450 nanometers in carbon monoxide-bound spectra.
P450 enzymes are found in nearly all kingdoms of life, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. In
The human P450 enzyme family consists of multiple isoforms, with the CYP (cytochrome P450) genes encoding the
P450 enzymes are also involved in the activation of some procarcinogens into reactive intermediates that can