dehidrogenazë

Dehidrogenazë is a class of enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, specifically the removal of hydrogen atoms from a substrate. These reactions are fundamental to many metabolic pathways in living organisms, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The general reaction catalyzed by a dehydrogenase involves the transfer of a hydride ion (H-) and a proton (H+) from the substrate to an acceptor molecule, which is typically a coenzyme like NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) or NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). When NAD+ acts as the electron acceptor, it is reduced to NADH, and when NADP+ acts as the electron acceptor, it is reduced to NADPH. These reduced coenzymes, NADH and NADPH, are important energy carriers and reducing agents used in various biosynthetic processes. Dehydrogenases are involved in a wide range of biological processes, such as the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, as well as the synthesis of cholesterol and steroid hormones. The specific substrate and reaction catalyzed vary greatly depending on the particular dehydrogenase enzyme. Many dehydrogenases are highly specific for their substrates. Their activity is often regulated by the availability of coenzymes and by cellular conditions. Some dehydrogenases are also important targets for drug development, particularly in the context of diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders.