biotransformácia

Biotransformation refers to the metabolic process by which organisms chemically modify a xenobiotic substance, which is a compound foreign to the organism. This process is primarily carried out by enzymes within the organism, often in the liver, and is crucial for detoxifying and eliminating foreign compounds from the body. While the main goal of biotransformation is detoxification, it can sometimes lead to bioactivation, where a substance is converted into a more toxic form.

Biotransformation typically involves two phases. Phase I reactions introduce or expose functional groups, such as hydroxyl, amino, or carboxyl groups, making the molecule more polar. Common Phase I reactions include oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. Phase II reactions, also known as conjugation, involve attaching an endogenous molecule, like glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glutathione, to the functional group created in Phase I. This further increases the polarity and water solubility of the compound, facilitating its excretion from the body, usually through urine or bile.

Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, also possess significant biotransformation capabilities. This microbial biotransformation is exploited in various industrial applications, including the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and the bioremediation of pollutants. For example, microorganisms can be used to break down harmful chemicals in contaminated soil and water. The study of biotransformation is fundamental in fields like toxicology, pharmacology, and environmental science.