biotranszformációja

Biotranszformáció refers to the chemical modification of organic compounds by living organisms. This process is fundamental to life, occurring in bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. In a biological context, biotransformation often involves enzymatic reactions that alter the structure of a molecule, typically making it more water-soluble or less toxic, thereby facilitating its excretion from the body.

This transformation can occur in various parts of an organism. For instance, in humans and other animals, the liver is a primary site for biotransformation, particularly of xenobiotics (foreign compounds) like drugs and environmental pollutants. These enzymatic processes are crucial for detoxification and metabolism.

The types of biotransformation reactions are generally categorized into two phases. Phase I reactions often introduce or expose functional groups (like hydroxyl, amino, or carboxyl groups) through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. These reactions make the molecule more reactive. Phase II reactions, also known as conjugation reactions, involve the attachment of endogenous molecules (such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glutathione) to the modified compound. This further increases water solubility and aids in elimination.

Beyond drug metabolism and detoxification, biotransformation plays a role in the synthesis of essential biomolecules, the breakdown of nutrients, and the production of secondary metabolites in plants and microorganisms, which can have pharmacological or industrial applications. Understanding biotransformation is vital in fields like pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, and biotechnology.