formases

Formases is not a standard, widely recognized term in biochemistry. In contemporary nomenclature there is no established enzyme family simply called “formases.” If encountered, the term is likely nonstandard or context-specific, and may be used to refer to enzymes that form formyl or formate-containing products, or more generally to enzymes involved in formylation or formate metabolism.

Possible interpretations include: (1) formyltransferases, enzymes that transfer a formyl group from a donor such as N10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate to a recipient molecule (for example, formylmethionyl-tRNA formyltransferase, EC 2.1.2.9, which formylates initiator methionine on tRNA in some bacteria). (2) formate-forming enzymes, which generate formate as a reaction product, such as formate dehydrogenases that oxidize formate to CO2. (3) broader, nonstandard uses that describe enzymes involved in the formation of formyl groups in biosynthetic pathways, though these would usually be named more specifically in formal nomenclature.

Nomenclature and databases generally do not include a single category called “formases.” Enzyme names are typically descriptive of the reaction or substrate, and standard entries are found under formyltransferases, transformylases, formate dehydrogenases, and related enzymes. If the term appears in a text, consulting the source for the intended definition is advisable to resolve ambiguity.

See also: formyl group, formyltransferase, transformylase, formate metabolism, enzyme nomenclature, Enzyme Commission (EC) numbers.