oksüdoreduktaaside

Oksüdoreduktaasid, or oxidoreductases, are a broad family of enzymes that catalyze oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions, transferring electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor. They form EC class 1 in the Enzyme Commission nomenclature and are essential to cellular energy production, biosynthesis, detoxification, and redox signaling.

Subtypes within oxidoreductases include dehydrogenases (which transfer electrons to cofactors such as NAD+ or NADP+), oxidases (which transfer electrons to molecular oxygen), oxygenases (which incorporate oxygen into substrates), reductases (which accept electrons from donors), and peroxidases (which reduce peroxides). Many oxidoreductases use cofactors such as NAD+/NADP+, FAD, FMN, heme groups, or metal ions to shuttle electrons during the reaction. The specific donor and acceptor pair, as well as the cofactor, define the enzyme’s activity and biotechnological applications.

Biological roles of oksüdoreduktaasid are wide-ranging. They participate in central metabolism ( glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation), photosynthesis, steroid and amino acid biosynthesis, and the detoxification of reactive compounds. They are found in various cellular compartments, including the cytosol, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and membranes, reflecting diverse physiological functions.

Clinical and applied relevance is notable. Genetic defects affecting oxidoreductases can disrupt metabolism and energy balance. Cytochrome P450 enzymes, a prominent subgroup, metabolize many drugs and xenobiotics. In biotechnology, oxidoreductases are used as biocatalysts for stereoselective synthesis and industrial redox transformations.