biotranszformációt

Biotranszformáció refers to the chemical modification of organic compounds by living organisms or their enzymes. This process is fundamental to life, occurring in virtually all living things, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans. Biotransformation is a key mechanism by which organisms metabolize xenobiotics, which are foreign substances that are not normally found in the organism. This includes drugs, pollutants, and other environmental chemicals.

The primary purpose of biotransformation in the body is to make these compounds more water-soluble, thereby facilitating their excretion from the body. This is typically achieved through two phases. Phase I reactions often involve the introduction or exposure of polar functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino groups, usually through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. These reactions are often catalyzed by enzymes like the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family. Phase II reactions, also known as conjugation reactions, involve the attachment of endogenous polar molecules, such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glutathione, to the modified compound. This further increases water solubility and aids in elimination.

Beyond detoxification and excretion, biotransformation plays vital roles in various biological processes. It is essential for the metabolism of nutrients, the synthesis of hormones and signaling molecules, and the breakdown of waste products. In the field of biotechnology, biotransformation is harnessed for diverse applications, including the production of pharmaceuticals, the biodegradation of pollutants, and the synthesis of fine chemicals. The specificity of enzymes involved in biotransformation allows for highly selective chemical modifications that can be difficult to achieve through traditional chemical synthesis.