dehydrogenáz

Dehydrogenase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule. This process, known as dehydrogenation, is a crucial step in many metabolic pathways within living organisms. Dehydrogenases are vital for energy production, particularly in cellular respiration, where they are involved in the oxidation of glucose and other fuel molecules.

These enzymes typically require a coenzyme, such as NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) or FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide), to accept the hydrogen atoms removed from the substrate. The coenzyme then becomes reduced, forming NADH or FADH2, which carry the electrons and protons to subsequent steps in metabolic pathways where they can be used to generate ATP, the cell's energy currency.

Dehydrogenases are found in all forms of life, from bacteria to humans, and play diverse roles. For example, lactate dehydrogenase is involved in anaerobic respiration, while alcohol dehydrogenase metabolizes ethanol. Many dehydrogenases are also used in biotechnology and industrial processes, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals and the analysis of biological samples. The study of dehydrogenases is important for understanding cellular metabolism and for developing treatments for various diseases related to metabolic dysfunction.