GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE Meaning and
Definition
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Glutamine synthetase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the body's nitrogen metabolism. It is responsible for the synthesis of the amino acid glutamine from another amino acid called glutamate. Glutamine is an essential amino acid that has various functions in the body, including participating in protein synthesis, providing energy to cells, supporting immune function, and serving as a precursor for other important molecules.
Glutamine synthetase, also known as glutamate-ammonia ligase, is found in various tissues and organs, with the highest concentrations in the liver, muscles, and brain. The enzyme functions by combining glutamate with ammonia and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to form glutamine, releasing ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate as byproducts of the reaction. It operates as part of the glutamine-glutamate cycle, which involves the continuous interchange of these two amino acids between different tissues.
The regulation of glutamine synthetase activity is tightly controlled, as it is necessary to maintain proper levels of glutamine in the body. Various factors, such as the availability of substrates, hormones, and the concentration of ammonia, can affect the enzyme's activity. Mutations or dysregulation of glutamine synthetase have been implicated in certain diseases, including neurological disorders, liver diseases, and certain types of cancer.
In summary, glutamine synthetase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamate and ammonia into glutamine. It plays a vital role in nitrogen metabolism, contributing to various physiological processes in the body.
Common Misspellings for GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE
- flutamine synthetase
- vlutamine synthetase
- blutamine synthetase
- hlutamine synthetase
- ylutamine synthetase
- tlutamine synthetase
- gkutamine synthetase
- gputamine synthetase
- goutamine synthetase
- glytamine synthetase
- glhtamine synthetase
- gljtamine synthetase
- glitamine synthetase
- gl8tamine synthetase
- gl7tamine synthetase
- gluramine synthetase
- glufamine synthetase
- glugamine synthetase
- gluyamine synthetase
- glu6amine synthetase
Etymology of GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE
The word "glutamine" originates from the Latin word "gluten", which means glue or sticky substance, referring to the sticky nature of glutamine. "Synthetase" is derived from the Greek word "synthesis", which means to combine or create. Therefore, "glutamine synthetase" can be roughly translated to mean the enzyme responsible for the synthesis or creation of glutamine.
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